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For thousands of years before 1499, indigenous people lived in the area known as Colombia. Tribes occupied the land, most notably were the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona. -
Spanish explorers first arrived to colonize and annex the country in the name of Spain. Many Spanish explorers arrived and explored coastal and inland areas. -
The first Spanish settlements on the Pacific coast appeared. Santa Marta was the first established location. -
The Spanish Vice Royalty established that the settled region be called New Granada. Bogota was the chosen capital of New Granada.
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Simon Bolivar lead the defeat of the Spanish and declared independence for Spain. Later in 1829 Venezuela and Ecuador split away from Colombia to form independent countries. -
Two political parties begin to form. Civil war breaks out between the political parties. Over 120,000 people died as a result of the war.
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After the civil war, Panama declares its independence from Colombia. The US had support in this declaration and aided Panama by support and by its role in the formation of the Panama Canal. -
An assassination of a presidential hopeful resulted in riots. Civil War continues and results in 250,000 to 300,000 deaths.
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Conservatives and Liberals come together to form a unified solution for a government and end a civil war. The National Front is a government method that uses scheduled turns. Even with this method, guerrilla warfare continues and is widespread.
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New elections take place and hope for peace is given. Prisoners are released or exchanged. Peace talks occur, but result in failure. Guerrilla warfare continues with great strength.
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A new constitution is written with modern new laws. The laws allow for indigenous people rights, protection from extradition, legalize divorce and numerous other laws. -
Newer drug laws and increased pressure by government funded forces opposed to the rampant drug trade. Pablo Escobar, a major drug cartel leader is killed in a police shootout. -
Peace talks again occur. Negotiations to cease fire in the guerrilla war take place. Hostages are exchanged and fighting diminishes. US and Colombia sign a trade deal.
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President Santos is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the civil war and widespread drug cartel activity. Guerrilla warfare tapers down. However, conflict still occurs and seems to never completely end.