8Gran Colombia (1819–1831)

Although Gran Colombia is usually considered part of South American history, it briefly included territories that touched Europe.

Gran Colombia was a large republic founded by Simón Bolívar, comprising modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Spain, which controlled much of Europe’s southern territories, was significantly impacted by the creation of this new republic. Gran Colombia broke apart after internal conflicts, but it played an essential role in ending Spanish influence in the region.