María Antonia Bolívar and the War for Independence in Venezuela

The declaration of independence proclaimed by the Congress in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 5, 1811, and the war of independence that followed created a rift in mantuano families between those who supported the continuation of Spanish rule and those who desired a free and independent republic for political, social, and economic reasons. Old and distinguished families like the Rodríguez de Toros, the Galindos, the Palacios, and the Jérez de Aristeguietas were divided between those who remained loyal to the crown and those who supported the patriots.1 However, no family was more torn asunder by events than the Bolívars. Simón Bolívar, leader of the independence army and liberator of northern South America, early on supported ending ties with Spain. His brother, Juan Vicente, sailed to the United States in 1810 with orders from the junta that supported King Ferdinand VII to meet with Spanish Ambassador Luis de Onís to propose provincial autonomy, to procure weapons, and to obtain machinery to establish textile factories in Caracas. Unfortunately, he died in a shipwreck off Bermuda on the way home in July 1810.2 His sister, Juana Bolívar Palacios,3 favored an independent republic, as did her husband, Dionisio Palacios Blanco y Sojo, who died at the Battle of Maturin in 1814, and her son, Guillermo, who died at the Battle of Hogaza in 1817.4 Throughout hostilities, María Antonia, Bolívar's favorite sister and a staunch royalist, remained loyal to the king.