Revoluciones caribeñas en contraste: una comparación entre Margarita y Cartagena (1810-1815)

Objective/Context: The purpose of this paper is to compare the independence revolutions of Margarita and Cartagena between 1810 and 1815 based on three aspects: the social actors involved in these processes, the political and military conflicts that took place in both realities and the forms of government instituted in these states. With this, we aspire to contribute to the growing studies of comparative history on the events of Independence, especially those with a geographical focus on the Caribbean region. Methodology: The criteria and methods of comparative history and politics are applied to discover the similarities and differences between the revolutions of Margarita and Cartagena. Originality: We highlight the importance of the revolution of Margarita in the framework of the Caribbean Revolutions of Independence since it has not been taken into account in the research on that historical phenomenon. Also, we make an unprecedented comparison between a Venezuelan Caribbean revolution and a Neo-Granadan one during the Independence period. Conclusions: Comparing Margarita and Cartagena’s revolutionary features shows the convenience to nuance some statements that are usually made about the Caribbean independence revolutions since, unlike Cartagena, in Margarita, there was no outstanding leadership of “people of color,” the resistance against the monarchical forces was more constant and successful, and dictatorial or “strong” governments were never established in its territory, preserving moderate institutions of a republican nature. Therefore, including Margarita in the narratives and histories about the Caribbean revolutions is vital to enrich the perspectives on the Independence period.