Primer Grito de Independencia ESPAÑOL

Summary

On August 10, 1809, the first independence of Ecuador was declared after a group of Creoles in Quito, led by Manuela Cañizares, initiated a movement against colonial rule. The creation of the first autonomous government was a bold step towards independence, though it was crushed after the defeat of the patriots in October. Despite this, the spark ignited by Cañizares' courage fueled the independence movement across Latin America, culminating in Ecuador's eventual freedom 13 years later. The revolution’s legacy is honored today as a symbol of courage, unity, and the pursuit of sovereignty for all Ecuadorians.

Takeaways

• 😀 On August 10, 1809, the first independence of the Republic of Ecuador was declared after the capture of the Royal Palace in Quito, today known as the Palacio de Carondelet.
• 😀 A group of Creoles from Quito, including Manuela Cañizares, gathered on the night of August 9, 1809, to plan a strategy for resisting the Royal Audience's excesses and establishing a new political order.
• 😀 Manuela Cañizares encouraged the group to act boldly, stating, 'What are you afraid of? There is no time to lose,' inspiring the formation of the first autonomous government board of Quito.
• 😀 The government board was led by Juan Pío Montúfar, Juan de Dios Morales, Juan Larrea, Captain Juan de Salinas, and others, aiming for an autonomous political system following Napoleon's invasion of Spain.
• 😀 With the support of 177 soldiers, the independence movement captured the Royal Palace during the early hours, forcing the resignation of the President of the Royal Audience, Conde Ruiz de Castilla.
• 😀 The Sovereign Board, after declaring its autonomy, aimed to replace the Royal Audience with a Senate and created the first political institutions of the republic, including the executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
• 😀 The colonial authorities rejected the insurrection, calling it an 'independentist rebellion,' and sent royalist troops to suppress the movement.
• 😀 Despite facing opposition, 3,000 patriots under Juan de Salazar and Manuel Zambrano advanced toward the north to defend their cause against the colonial forces.
• 😀 The independence movement was eventually crushed, leading to the dissolution of the Sovereign Board on October 24, 1809, with its members facing trials and death sentences on August 2, 1810.
• 😀 The events of August 10, 1809, marked the beginning of the independence struggle, which would eventually lead to Ecuador's full independence 13 years later, with Quito being hailed as the 'Light of America.'

Q & A

What significant event does the script describe?

The script describes the first declaration of independence in the Republic of Ecuador, which occurred on August 10, 1809, after the taking of the Royal Palace in Quito, now known as the Carondelet Palace.

Who were some of the key figures involved in the formation of the first government council in Quito?

The key figures included Juan Pío Montúfar, Juan de Dios Morales, Juan Larrea, Captain Juan de Salinas, the Bishop Cuero y Caicedo, and Manuel Rodríguez de Quiroga.

What role did Manuela Cañizares play in the independence movement?

Manuela Cañizares was a key figure who urged the creation of the first autonomous government council in Quito. She famously challenged those hesitant to act, saying, 'What are you afraid of? There's no time to lose.' Her courage helped spur the actions leading to the declaration of independence.

What was the primary objective of the independence movement in Quito?

The primary objective was to establish an autonomous government, breaking away from the colonial rule imposed by Spain after the Napoleonic invasion and the abdication of King Carlos IV.

How did the insurgents gain control of the Royal Palace in Quito?

The insurgents, led by the first government council, took the Royal Palace in the early hours of August 10, 1809. Their actions led to the resignation of the president of the Royal Audiencia of Quito, the Count of Ruiz de Castilla, and the establishment of a new autonomous political order.

What was the immediate reaction of the colonial authorities after the insurrection?

The colonial authorities saw the insurrection as a rebellion and quickly dispatched royalist troops to suppress the movement. They aimed to undo the progress made by the newly established government in Quito.

What was the fate of the insurgents after the royalist forces intervened?

After the royalist forces defeated the patriots on October 24, the insurgents were forced to dissolve the autonomous government. Most of the members of the government council were executed on August 2, 1810.

How did the actions of the Quito insurgents impact the broader Latin American independence movements?

The actions in Quito inspired other Latin American countries to pursue independence. The script refers to Quito as the 'Light of America,' highlighting the city’s role in igniting the spirit of liberty across the continent.

What role does the modern Ecuadorian government play in commemorating this event?

The current government, under President Rafael Correa’s 'Revolución Ciudadana,' honors the heroes and heroines of Ecuador's independence, encouraging the continued pursuit of a sovereign, inclusive state with opportunities for all Ecuadorians.

What symbolic elements are mentioned in the script regarding the country's fight for independence?

The script uses powerful imagery, such as 'auroras dressed in horizon' and 'united flags,' to symbolize the collective will of the people and the desire for peace and unity in Latin America. The use of music and lyrics emphasizes the shared hope for liberty and the end of fratricidal conflict.