The Thousand Days' War (1899 – 1902) in Colombia

The Thousand Days' War (1899-1902) was a devastating and protracted civil conflict in Colombia that erupted over political, economic, and social grievances. The conflict primarily pitted the Liberal and Conservative Parties against each other, reflecting deep-seated tensions between the country's two major political factions. The war unfolded against a backdrop of agrarian struggles, economic disparities, and regional resentments. The fighting, characterized by fierce battles and guerrilla warfare, led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Between 100,000 en 180,000 Colombians perished.

While initially a struggle for political power, the war evolved into a complex conflict involving issues of land reform and social justice. The Thousand Days' War concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Neerlandia in 1902, which aimed to restore political stability. However, the war's legacy endured, leaving a lasting impact on Colombian society and politics, influencing subsequent periods of violence and shaping the nation's path toward modernization.