Gran Colombia was a short-lived republic that consisted of modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Established in the wake of independence from Spanish colonial rule in the early 19th century, Gran Colombia aimed to create a unified Latin American state, inspired by the ideals of democracy and freedom propagated by leaders like Simón Bolívar. However, the vast geographical area and diverse populations made governance difficult. Social, economic, and political tensions began to brew among the constituent countries, particularly between the leaders and factions within Ecuador and Venezuela, who felt underrepresented in the central government based in Bogotá.

In the early 1830s, calls for greater local autonomy intensified. On November 17, 1831, Ecuador and Venezuela formally declared their separation from Gran Colombia, marking the end of this ambitious political experiment. The decision stemmed from disagreements regarding governance, economic management, and cultural identity. The leaders in these territories, including notable figures such as José María Urbina in Ecuador and José Antonio Páez in Venezuela, sought to establish independent political systems that aligned more closely with local interests.

Following their secession, both nations began to shape their individual identities. Ecuador opted for a constitutional framework that allowed for more localized governance, while Venezuela, under Páez, took a more authoritarian route, emphasizing strong leadership to stabilize the region. This separation significantly altered the political landscape of northern South America and set the stage for future conflicts and alliances in the region.