Abstract

ARIZA ARIZA, NECTALÍ. The Wilches Calderóns: Family Networks and Political Power in the State of Santander (1857-1886). Anu. colomb. hist. soc. cult. [online]. 2014, vol.41, n.2, pp.23-64. ISSN 0120-2456.  https://doi.org/10.15446/achsc.v41n2.48781.

The article analyzes the role of the Wilches Calderón family in the regional politics of Santander during Colombia's federalist period (1857-1886). The Wilches ran for office and participated in civil wars in order to defend or attain new positions in the State government. They also established business relationships, as well as marriage and patronage bonds, in order to consolidate their power. For example, one of their main sources of political influence was their membership in the Estrella del Saravita Masonic Lodge. However, the ample political power exercised by the family in Santander crumbled when the family leaders broke their agreements and confronted one another in the electoral and armed struggle arenas. The objective of the paper is to study the details of this phenomenon and unravel the history of this family network.

Keywords : Wilches Calderón family; Santander; elections; civil wars; patronage system; radical liberalism.

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