The most significant revolution began and continued from Socorro (in Santander). It was stimulated by the imposition of new taxes by the viceroy and later by actions of a regent, Juan Francisco Gutierrez de Pineres. The rebels, expressed their loyalty to the king and the church while calling for a cancellation of the new taxes and a modification of government monopolies, especially on tobacco and rum. The government wanted new revenues to wage war with England (Blutstein, 1991).
The rebels at first appeared to achieve a victory by getting government representatives to agree to abolish the war tax, the taxes for the maintenance of the fleet, customhouse permits, and the tobacco and playing-card monopolies and to reduce the tribute paid by the Indians and the taxes on liquor, commercial transactions, and salt. The rebels also asked that those born in the New World be given preference in appointments to certain posts. However, the government...
The leaders of the rebellion were subjected to harsh punishments, including death for the more prominent among them. The rebels had not sought independence from Spain, but their rebellion against the king's administration and administrators, despite protestations of loyalty to the king himself, was not far removed from a fight for independence. Because of this the revolt was seen as part of the prelude to the struggle for freedom (Blutstein, 1991).
After the said revolt the outlook of the local upper class and middle-class criollos changed. The ideas of the European Enlightenment strengthened their desire to control their own situation (Blutstein, 1991).
Reference:
Blutstein, Howard I. 1991. Colombia: Chapter 3B. Characteristics of Colonial Administration. Countries of the World. Bureau Development, Inc.
