The Decreto de Guerra a Muerte was a declaration issued by South American Independence hero, Simón Bolívar, June 15, 1813 in the Venezuelan city of Trujillo. South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ... Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (July 24, 1783 – December 17, 1830) was a South American revolutionary leader. ... June 15 is the 166th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (167th in leap years), with 199 days remaining. ... 1813 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Sydney, Australia at Night. ... Trujillo is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Trujillo. ...

It was created as a response to severe crimes and massacres by Spanish soldiers after the fall of the First Republic, in which Spanish leaders executed thousands of Republicans, to such extent that even royalists rejected them. The document's goal was to turn popular opinion about the Venezuelan war of liberation from merely a Civil war in one of Spain's colonies to a full fledged international war between two countries, Venezuela and Spain. In a broad definition, a republic is a state whose political organization rests on the principle that the citizens or electorate constitute the ultimate root of legitimacy and sovereignty. ... The noun or adjective, Royalist, can have several shades of meaning. ... A civil war is a war in which the parties within the same country or empire struggle for national control of state power. ... In politics and in history, a colony is a territory under the immediate political control of a geographically-distant state. ... The only atomic weapons ever used in war - the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945, effectively ending World War II. The bombs over Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki immediately killed over 120,000 people. ... Look up country in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

It was a declaration of such brutality that it's a common saying that "not even Attila the Hun issued anything similar" to it, since it basically proclaimed that all Spanish people in South America who didn't actively participate in favor of it's independence would be killed, and all South Américans would be spared, even if they cooperated (pasively) with the Spanish. (See below for full declaration). For other uses, see Attila (disambiguation). ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...

This Guerra a Muerte, (War to Death) was widely practized on both sides, making way for some extreme brutalities on both sides, including the killing of several rennown New Granada citizens by the Spanish in 1815-1817 and the execution of Spanish prisoners in Caracas and La Guaira in February, 1814, by orders from Bolívar himself. Motto: Libertad y Orden (English: Liberty and Order) Anthem: Oh Gloria Inmarcesible! Capital Bogotá Largest city Official language(s) Spanish Government President Republic Álvaro Uribe Vélez Independence From Spain  - Declared:   July 20, 1810  - Recognised:   August 7, 1819 Area  â€¢ Total  â€¢ Water (%)   1,138,910 km² (25th) 8. ... The Battle of New Orleans 1815 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... 1817 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... City motto: Ave María Santísima, sin pecado concebida, en el primer instante de su ser natural. ... La Guaira is the capital of the Venezuelan state of Vargas. ... Look up February in Wiktionary, the free dictionary February is the second month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1814 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (July 24, 1783 – December 17, 1830) was a South American revolutionary leader. ...

The status imposed by the Declaration lasted until November 26, 1820, when Spanish General Pablo Morillo met with Bolívar to declare the war of independence a conventional war. November 26 is the 330th day (331st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1820 was a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... General is a high military rank, used by nearly every country in the world. ... Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (July 24, 1783 – December 17, 1830) was a South American revolutionary leader. ...

Decreto de Guerra a Muerte

The Decreto reads:

"Venezolanos: Un ejército de hermanos, enviado por el soberano Congreso de la Nueva Granada, ha venido a libertaros, y ya lo tenéis en medio de vosotros, después de haber expulsado a los opresores de las provincias de Mérida y Trujillo.

Nosotros somos enviados a destruir a los españoles, a proteger a los americanos, y a restablecer los gobiernos republicanos que formaban la Confederación de Venezuela. Los Estados que cubren nuestras armas, están regidos nuevamente por sus antiguas constituciones y magistrados, gozando plenamente de su libertad e independencia; porque nuestra misión sólo se dirige a romper las cadenas de la servidumbre, que agobian todavía a algunos de nuestros pueblos, sin pretender dar leyes, ni ejercer actos de dominio, a que el derecho de la guerra podría autorizarnos.

Tocados de vuestros infortunios, no hemos podido ver con indiferencia las aflicciones que os hacían experimentar los bárbaros españoles, que os han aniquilado con la rapiña, y os han destruido con la muerte; que han violado los derechos sagrados de las gentes; que han infringido las capitulaciones y los tratados más solemnes; y, en fin, han cometido todos los crímenes, reduciendo la República de Venezuela a la más espantosa desolación. Así pues, la justicia exige la vindicta, y la necesidad nos obliga a tomarla. Que desaparezcan para siempre del suelo colombiano los monstruos que lo infestan y han cubierto de sangre; que su escarmiento sea igual a la enormidad de su perfidia, para lavar de este modo la mancha de nuestra ignominia, y mostrar a las naciones del universo, que no se ofende impunemente a los hijos de América.

A pesar de nuestros justos resentimientos contra los inicuos españoles, nuestro magnánimo corazón se digna, aún, abrirles por la ultima vez una vía a la conciliación y a la amistad; todavía se les invita a vivir pacíficamente entre nosotros, si detestando sus crímenes, y convirtiéndose de buena fe, cooperan con nosotros a la destrucción del gobierno intruso de España, y al restablecimiento de la República de Venezuela.

Todo español que no conspire contra la tiranía en favor de la justa causa, por los medios más activos y eficaces, será tenido por enemigo, y castigado como traidor a la patria y, por consecuencia, será irremisiblemente pasado por las armas. Por el contrario, se concede un indulto general y absoluto a los que pasen a nuestro ejército con sus armas o sin ellas; a los que presten sus auxilios a los buenos ciudadanos que se están esforzando por sacudir el yugo de la tiranía. Se conservarán en sus empleos y destinos a los oficiales de guerra, y magistrados civiles que proclamen el Gobierno de Venezuela, y se unan a nosotros; en una palabra, los españoles que hagan señalados servicios al Estado, serán reputados y tratados como americanos.

Y vosotros, americanos, que el error o la perfidia os ha extraviado de las sendas de la justicia, sabed que vuestros hermanos os perdonan y lamentan sinceramente vuestros descarríos, en la íntima persuasión de que vosotros no podéis ser culpables, y que sólo la ceguedad e ignorancia en que os han tenido hasta el presente los autores de vuestros crímenes, han podido induciros a ellos. No temáis la espada que viene a vengaros y a cortar los lazos ignominiosos con que os ligan a su suerte vuestros verdugos. Contad con una inmunidad absoluta en vuestro honor, vida y propiedades; el solo título de americanos será vuestra garantía y salvaguardia. Nuestras armas han venido a protegeros, y no se emplearán jamás contra uno solo de nuestros hermanos.

Esta amnistía se extiende hasta a los mismos traidores que más recientemente hayan cometido actos de felonía; y será tan religiosamente cumplida, que ninguna razón, causa, o pretexto será suficiente para obligarnos a quebrantar nuestra oferta, por grandes y extraordinarios que sean los motivos que nos deis pare excitar nuestra animadversión.

Españoles y Canarios, contad con la muerte, aun siendo indiferentes, si no obráis activamente en obsequio de la libertad de América. Americanos, contad con la vida, aun cuando seáis culpables."

The Declaration of War to Death, in English

"Venezuelans: an army of brothers, sent by the sovereign Congress of New Granada, has come to free you, and it is already amongst you, after evicting the oppressors from the provinces of Mérida and Trujillo. A congress is a gathering of people, especially a gathering for a political purpose. ... New Granada was the name given to a group of colonial provinces in northern South America, corresponding mainly to modern Colombia. ... The Venezuelan city of Mérida is capital of the state of the same name, Mérida State. ... Trujillo is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of Trujillo. ...

We are the ones sent to destroy the Spanish, to protect the americans, and to reestablish the republican governments that formed the Confederation of Venezuela. The states covering our arms are once again ruled by their old constitutions and magistrates, fully enjoying their liberty and independence; for our mission is only to break the chains of servitude, which still oppress some of our peoples, not pretending to create laws, or enforce acts of domination, which the right of war could authorize us to do. In a broad definition, a republic is a state whose political organization rests on the principle that the citizens or electorate constitute the ultimate root of legitimacy and sovereignty. ... A confederation is an association of sovereign states, usually created by treaty but often later adopting a common constitution. ... A magistrate is a civil or criminal (or both) judicial officer with limited authority to administer and enforce the law. ...

Touched by your misfortunes, we couldn't indifferently watch the afflictions inflicted to you by the barbarian Spanish, who have annihilated you with robbery and destroyed you with death, infringed the most solemn treaties and capitulations, in one word, committed every crime, reducing the Republic of Venezuela to the most horrific desolation. It is so that justice demands vindication, and necessity forces us to take it. May the monsters that infest colombian soil, and have covered it with blood disappear for good; may their punishment be equal to the magnitude of their treason, so that the stain of our ignominy is washed off, and to show the nations of the universe that the sons of America cannot be offended without punishment. In a broad definition, a republic is a state whose political organization rests on the principle that the citizens or electorate constitute the ultimate root of legitimacy and sovereignty. ... Shame is a social condition and a form of social control consisting of an emotional state and a set of behaviors, caused by the consciousness or awareness of having acted inappropriately. ... World map showing the Americas The Americas commonly refers to the landmass in the Western Hemisphere consisting of the continents of North America, Central America and South America with their associated islands and regions. ...

In spite of our just resentments against the iniquous Spanish, our magnanimous still deigns itself to open for the last time a route to conciliation and friendship; we still invite them to live peacefully among us, if, hating their crimes and turning to good faith, they cooperate with us in the destruction of the intruding government of Spain, and the restablishment of the Republic of Venezuela. In a broad definition, a republic is a state whose political organization rests on the principle that the citizens or electorate constitute the ultimate root of legitimacy and sovereignty. ...

All spanish people who do not conspire against tyranny in favor of our just cause, using the most effective and active resources, will be considered an enemy, and will be punished as a traitor to the homeland, and therefore, will be promptly executed. On the other hand, a general and absolute pardon is issued to all Spanish who pass into our army, with or without their weapons; to those who offer aid to the good citizens working hard to shake of the shackles of tyranny. War officers and magistrates that proclaim the government of Venezuela and join our cause will keep their fates and work positions; in one word, all Spanish who perform service for the State will be reputed and treated as americans. Army (from French armée) can, in some countries, refer to any armed force. ...

And you, americans, who have been separated from the road of justice by error and betrayal, know that your brothers forgive you and seriously regret your misdeeds, intimately persuaded that you cannot be guilty, and only the ignorance and blindness imposed on you by the authors of your crimes could cause you to do them. Do not fear the sword that comes to avenge you and cut the ignominious bindings which tie you to your executioners' fate. Rely on absolute immunity for your honor, life and properties; the mere title of americans will be you warranty and safeguard. Our weapons have come to protect you, and will never be used against a single one of our brothers.

This amnesty extends to the very traitors who have most recently committed their acts of felony; and will be so religiously atented that no reason, cause or pretext will be enough to make us break our offer, no matter how extraordinary the reasons you give us to excite our adversity. A felony, in many common law legal systems, is the term for a very serious crime; misdemeanors are considered to be less serious. ... Fishers of men; Oil on panel by Adriaen van de Venne (1614) Religion (see etymology below) is commonly defined as a group of beliefs concerning the supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such belief. ...

Spanish and Canaries, count on death, even being indifferent, if you do not work actively in favor of the independence of America. Americans, count on life, even being guilty." To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... America is usually meant as either: The Americas, the lands between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, usually subdivided into: North America South America The United States of America See also: Americas (terminology), Use of the word America, and Use of the word American America is also: America, Netherlands in Limburg...

Please note, this English translation is not 100% accurate.

External links

• ((Spanish)) http://www.analitica.com/bitblio/bolivar/decreto.asp
• ((Spanish)) http://www.venezuelatuya.com/historia/guerraamuerte.htm

See also

Topics related to Venezuela   (edit)
Geography	States – Cities – Lake Maracaibo – Caracas – Maracaibo – Valencia – Canaima National Park
History	New Granada – Bolívar in Venezuela (1813-1814) – Bolívar's War – Battle of Carabobo – Battle of Lake Maracaibo – Congress of Angostura – Gran Colombia – Bolivarian Revolution
Politics	Constitution – Presidency – National Assembly – Political parties – Foreign Affairs
Society & Culture	Demographics – Catholicism – Bolivarian Missions – Media – Hospitals – Colleges and universities – Miss Venezuela
Miscellaneous	Communications – Transportation – East-West Railway

Image File history File links Flag_of_Venezuela_1930-2006. ... For more information about Venezuela you can also visit the Venezuela portal. ... Venezuelan coat of arms File links The following pages link to this file: Venezuela List of Venezuelans List of national coats of arms Categories: Images with unknown source ... Map of Venezuela Venezuela is divided into 23 states (estados), 1 Capital District (Distrito Capital) and the Federal Dependencies (Dependencias Federales de Ultramar) that consist on a large number of Venezuelan islands. ... This is a list of cities in Venezuela. ... A map showing the location of Lake Maracaibo. ... City motto: Ave María Santísima, sin pecado concebida, en el primer instante de su ser natural. ... The city of Maracaibo, nicknamed La Tierra del Sol Amada (The Land Beloved by the Sun), founded in 1571, is the capital of the Zulia State and is Venezuelas second largest population center. ... The Hemispheric at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències by Santiago Calatrava, Valencia, Spain. ... Canaima National Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Canaima) is a 30,000 km² park in south-eastern Venezuela that borders Brazil and Guyana. ... This is the history of Venezuela. ... New Granada was the name given to a group of colonial provinces in northern South America, corresponding mainly to modern Colombia. ... Simón Bolívars Campaign in Venezuela 1813-14 was Venezuelas second war of independence against Spain and part of Bolívars War in South America. ... Bolívars War refers to a series of independence wars in South America from 1811 to 1825 led by the famous South American nationalist and general Simón Bolívar. ... The Battle of Carabobo was fought between South American independence fighters, led by Simón Bolívar, and royalist forces seeking to preserve Spanishs American empire. ... The Battle of Lake Maracaibo was fought on July 24, 1823 in the Maracaibo Lake between Almirant José Prudencio Padilla and Royalist Captain Ángel Laborde. ... Angostura was the name of the town in Eastern Venezuela that was renamed Ciudad Bolívar in 1846. ... Map showing Gran Colombia The Republic of Gran Colombia, or Greater Colombia, was a short-lived republic in South America consisting of present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. ... Chávez extols the anti-imperialist aspects of Bolivarianism, which were first kindled during his college years, in an address to hundreds of thousands of chavistas along Caracass Avenida Bolívar on May 16, 2004. ... President Hugo Chávez Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (born July 28, 1954) has been the President of Venezuela since 1999. ... Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (English IPA: ; Spanish IPA: ; born July 28, 1954) is the 53rd[1] and current President of Venezuela. ... Current President Hugo Chávez was elected in December 1998 on a platform that called for the creation of a National Constituent Assembly in order to write a new Constitution. ... List of Presidents of Venezuela José Antonio Páez (1830-1835) José María Vargas (1835-1837) Carlos Soublette (1837-1839) José Antonio Páez (1839-1843) Carlos Soublette (1843-1847) José Tadeo Monagas (1847-1851) José Gregorio Monagas (1851-1855) José Tadeo Monagas (1855-1858) Julián Castro (1858... The National Assembly (Spanish Asamblea Nacional) is the current legislative branch of the Venezuelan government. ... Political parties in Venezuela lists political parties in Venezuela. ... Venezuelas priorities in the international arena are: Respect for human rights; The right of all people to self-determination; Nonintervention in the internal affairs of other nations; Peaceful settlement of disputes between nations, including border disputes; The right of all people to peace and security; and Support for democracy. ... The population of Venezuela is comprised of a combination of European, indigenous, and African heritages. ... The Venezuelan people have a rich cultural heritage. ... The population of Venezuela is comprised of a combination of European, indigenous, and African heritages. ... This article considers Catholicism in the broadest ecclesiastical sense. ... Venezuela under the Chávez administration has deployed numerous national social welfare programs (Misiónes or Missions) of massive scale: Misión Barrio Adentro (Mission Inside the Neighborhood) - a series of initiatives (deployed in three distinct stages: I, II, and III) to provide free, comprehensive, and high-quality community health... This is a list of hospitals in Venezuela. ... Public Universities Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela, UBV Universidad Central de Venezuela, UCV Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado, UCLA Universidad de Carabobo, UC Universidad de Guayana, UNEG Universidad de Los Andes, ULA Universidad de Los Llanos Centrales Rómulo Gallegos Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, UNELLEZ Universidad del T... The Miss Venezuela contest is the national beauty pageant of Venezuela and has been held since 1952. ... Telephones - main lines in use: 2. ... East-West Railway System The railway connects the eastern areas with the west of the country, giving better transportation for both cargo and passengers. ...

History of South America
	History of: Argentina · Bolivia · Brazil · Chile · Colombia · Ecuador · Guyana · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Suriname · Trinidad and Tobago · Uruguay · Venezuela
Aruba · Falkland Islands · French Guiana · South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South America is thought to have been first inhabited by people crossing the Bering Land Bridge, now the Bering strait, though there are also suggestions of migration from the southern Pacific Ocean. ... Image File history File links South_America. ...