Patriotic Society (Venezuela)

The Patriotic Society (Spanish: Sociedad Patriótica) was an organization under the Spanish Empire dedicated to Venzuelan independence. It was founded in July 1810 by Juan Germán Roscio after the Revolution of 19 April 1810. It amassed large influence in the country and abroad, dictating much of the early Venezuelan War of Independence. The organization ceased operations shortly after the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence, when most of its membership joined the militia army of the First Republic of Venezuela.[1]

The society itself was organized in a manner similar to the Jacobins. It had a consistently changing presidency. Some presidents included: Francisco Espejo, Francisco de Miranda, and Antonio Muñoz Tébar. [2]

The Patriotic Society had itself a newspaper organ, called El Patriota de Venezuela where it disseminated messages in line with the organization's policies.[1]

Its members were called "socios", which can be translated to "members" or "associates".

History

Background

The independence of Venezuela was long sought by much of its population. The first revolution against Spanish rule occurred in 1749 and was led by Juan Francisco de León, but was soon thereafter crushed. Later, in 1795, the Insurrection of José Leonardo Chirino occurred, but this too was also crushed. However, hope arrived as the Spanish were weakened by the French invasion of Spain. This hope soon manifested in the creation of the society.[2]

Influence and organization

Founded as the Sociedad de Agricultura y Economía, the society quickly promoted separatism. It advocated for separatism and pressured the First National Congress into action. The organization quickly accrued high-profile (or soon to be high-profile) members, amassing approximately 600 members in Caracas alone at a point.[2][1][3]

According to statesman and member of the society Coto Paúl, the power of the society was such that revolutionary Venezuela had "two congresses": the First National Congress of Venezuela, and the Patriotic Society.[1]

The Patriotic Society had its headquarters in Caracas, and branches in Barcelona, Barinas, Valencia and Puerto Cabello. Its meetings discussed economics, politics, religious, and civil and military affairs.[2]

Notable members

Below are members who would gain fame or recognition during the Venezuelan War of Independence:

References
  1. Lollett, Carlos. "Sociedad Patriótica | Fundación Empresas Polar". bibliofep.fundacionempresaspolar.org (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  2. "La Sociedad Patriótica". Venezuela Tuya (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  3. "Partidos políticos". Empresas Polar. Archived from the original on 25 February 2009. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
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