Venezuelan Declaration of Independence
By means of the signing of the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence on July 5, 1811, Venezuelans of the time took the decision, supported by several politicians, of breaking away from the Spanish Crown and to build a new nation to split the premises of equality between individuals, abolition of censorship and dedication to the freedom of expression as a constitutional principal, premises that are radically opposed to the political, cultural, and social practices that had ruled during three hundred years before. The Declaration is notable for being the first example of a Spanish-American colony to declare its independence.
It was an action of meaningful courage for all Venezuelans, legitimate heirs of the more enduring and inalienable legacy of the 5th of July, to hand over to the inhabitants of this territory, to the whole society, the sovereignty on their public subjects.
Seven of the Spanish Provinces belonging to the Captaincy General of Venezuela declared their independence and explained their reasons for this action. The declaration proclaimed a new nation called the American Confederacy of Venezuela and was mainly written by Juan Germán Roscio. It was ratified by Congress on July 7, 1811 and written on the Book of Acts on August 17, 1811, in Caracas.
The anniversary of this declaration is celebrated as Independence Day. The original Book of Acts of the first Congress of Venezuela is in the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas.
