Factions of liberalism in Cartagena: rivalries and conflicts for power, 1930- 1945

Abstract

This paper has as central purpose to analyze through the causes, actions and interests of the factions of liberalism in Cartagena, national and local circumstances that affected the deep divisions within the Liberal Party in this city, between 1930 and 1945. It shows that the political clashes, confrontations and rivalries that factions had, were the product of the diverse interests of local Liberal leaders, and their struggles over access and control of power. Despite the awakening of social reformist and revolutionary tendencies, characteristic of the Liberal Republic, the polarization of liberalism around local political leaders prevented the construction of a common political project. Consequently, the result is the sample picture of conflict and rivalry prevailing right in the historical context that sought to build a modern state in Colombia.

Keywords: factions, political conflicts, liberalism, Liberal Republic.