MANUELA SAENZ AND HER PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF SIMON BOLIVAR (1822–1830)
Keywords:
Manuela Saenz, Simon Bolívar, Gran Colombia, political influence, state apparatus, Latin America, gender history, War of Independence, «Libertadora del Libertador»Abstract
The article examines the multifaceted and often underestimated role of Manuela Saenz within the political and administrative structure of Gran Colombia during the pivotal years of 1822–1830. Long relegated to the periphery of historical discourse as merely the romantic partner of Simon Bolívar, Saenz is re-evaluated in this study as a significant political actor and a strategic pillar of the Liberator’s state apparatus. The research focuses on her transition from an insurgent activist in Peru to a high-ranking confidante and administrative manager in Bolívar’s inner circle.
Key aspects of her political influence are meticulously analyzed, including her management of Bolívar’s private and state archives, which provided her with unprecedented access to sensitive diplomatic and military intelligence. The study highlights her role as an intermediary between the Liberator and various political factions, as well as her sophisticated intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at identifying and neutralizing anti-government conspiracies. Particular attention is devoted to the «September Conspiracy» of 1828 in Bogotá, where Sáenz’s decisive actions not only saved Bolívar’s life but also preserved the fragile continuity of the state, earning her the iconic title «Libertadora del Libertador».
Furthermore, the research explores the gendered dynamics of power in early 19th-century South America. By examining her rank as a Colonel in the Gran Colombian army and her active participation in high-level decision-making processes, the article illustrates how Saenz challenged the patriarchal social norms of the era. The author concludes that her influence was instrumental in the survival of Bolívar’s political project during the turbulent final years of his presidency. This analysis shifts the historical narrative from a romanticized biography toward a structural understanding of Sáenz as a crucial participant in the state-building and crisis management of Gran Colombia. Her legacy is presented as a precursor to female political agency in Latin American history.
