Historical Context of Colombia

Historical Context of Colombia

• Before Spanish arrival, Colombia had various indigenous groups.
• Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century seeking gold.
• Spanish military superiority led to the defeat of indigenous civilizations.
• Cities like Bogotá were founded.
• The Viceroyalty of New Granada was established in the 18th century.
• This included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
• Independence movements were influenced by European events.
• Simón Bolívar played a crucial role.
• Gran Colombia was formed after independence, but dissolved in 1831.
• The 19th century saw political violence between liberals and conservatives.
• The Thousand Days' War (1899-1902) was a significant civil war.
• Panama separated from Colombia in 1903, supported by the US.
• The loss of Panama was economically and strategically painful for Colombia.
• Coffee became a major export in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shaping Colombia's economy and identity.

About Barranquilla

• Barranquilla is strategically located at the mouth of the Magdalena River in the Caribbean Sea.
• It's considered the most important city in the Colombian Caribbean.
• Population of almost 2 million (including nearby towns).
• It's a key transportation hub, with an international airport nearby.

Barranquilla's History

• Unlike cities like Santa Marta and Cartagena, Barranquilla's founding wasn't as structured.
• It's considered a 'city without history' due to limited early documentation.
• There were settlements along the Magdalena River, especially before 1600.
• An administrative structure called an 'Encomienda' was established.
• The first important development occurred in 1813 marking its evolution to a town status.
• A port in Puerto Colombia was established in 1845, greatly impacting trade.
• Barranquilla officially became a city in 1857.
• 1918 saw significant immigrant influx and development.
• The Golden Gate of Colombia: Barranquilla's rise as an important port city.
• SCADTA (today AVIANCA) established in 1919.
• First railroad, telephone, and commercial radio station were established.

La Aduana (Customs Office)

• The president ordered customs functions to Barranquilla in 1876.
• Early customs facilities were near the Montoya train station.
• A fire in 1916 led to the construction of a new, reinforced concrete building.
• President Marcos Fidel Suarez laid the first stone in 1919.
• The building operated until the 1950s, then was abandoned and deteriorated.
• Cultural significance regained in the 1980s with its restoration & use as a National Monument & library.
• Holds the Atlantic Historical Archive & is a venue for cultural events.

Montoya Station

• Part of a complex, this 1871 construction connected Barranquilla with other parts of Colombia.
• A historic locomotive remains on site.

The El Prado Neighborhood

• It was the first planned neighborhood in Barranquilla, modeled after North American/European designs.
• It featured wide avenues, gardens, and luxurious architecture.
• Immigrants played a role in shaping the neighborhood.
• Became prominent during Barranquilla's economic growth in the 1920s

Parque de los Fundadores (Founders Park)

• This memorial was donated by the German government.
• A tragic plane crash in 1924 involving pioneers of aviation connects to the historical significance of the monument.

El Prado Hotel

• This 1930 establishment was the first tourist luxury hotel of Latin America.
• It has an impressive architecture and history.

Blanco Family House

• Built in 1921, showcasing neo-Mudejar design (with a horseshoe arch).
• It's a residential building still in use today.

La Perla House

• Built in 1924 and retains its residential function.

About Barrio Abajo (Downtown)

• This lower part of Barranquilla is near the Magdalena River
• Witness to Barranquilla's early industrial development.

About the Carnival

• The Carnival, a major folkloric and cultural event, has a rich history (Afro-Colombian and indigenous origins).
• It blends Spanish traditions and African influences.
• UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 2003.

Rhythms of the Carnaval

• Cumbia and Mapalé are important rhythms influenced by African music and dances.
• Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities' influence on the rhythms/dances.

Carnival House

• It's a neighborhood museum representing Barranquilla's carnival heritage.
• Its facade shows various styles, related to generations of carnival families.
• It serves as the headquarters for the Barranquilla Carnival Foundation.

Carnival Museum

• This museum provides a venue to experience the Carnival year-round (365 days).
• It showcases aspects of carnivals worldwide, from rhythms to instruments.

Vía 40

• This road is the site of the Battle of Flowers parade.
• This parade began in 1903.

Intendencia Fluvial (Fluvial Intendance)

• This building housed important government offices, controlling river traffic on the Magdalena River, until the 1940s.
• It houses heritage and tourism departments.
• This is a monument to the Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez.

Gran Malecón del Río

• This is a large waterfront development on the river.
• It's 5.5 km long and hosts various recreational and sports activities.

Window of Champions

• Monument dedicated to the Barranquilla soccer team (Junior).

Shakira's Statue

• This piece by artist Yino Marquez is a famous work for its unique shape.

Window to the World

• A Tecnoglass creation, it's a monument with a symbolic connection to the company's global presence.

About Beer in Barranquilla

• Águila beer, a significant local brand, has a history linked to the arrival of immigrants
• Águila had a challenging time in the marketplace and was even part of a merger.
• Consumption patterns vary in Colombia.

Food Fusion during the Conquest

• The mixing of European, indigenous and African cuisines creates Colombia's unique food profile.
• Various dishes reflect this mixture through history.

Paseo Bolivar

• This site is central to Barranquilla and holds significant historical value (especially to the battle of flowers, the city's founding and development).

Explore the intricate history of Colombia from the indigenous groups before the Spanish arrival to the formation of Gran Colombia and its eventual dissolution. Understand the impact of key figures like Simón Bolívar and significant events such as the Thousand Days' War. This quiz delves into Colombia's political evolution and economic transformations, particularly with coffee trade.