Difference between revisions of "Sucre" - New World Encyclopedia

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As Spanish royal authority weakened during the [[Napoleonic wars]] from 1803 to 1815, resentment towards colonial rule grew. Many argue Sucre was the epicenter that initiated the independence campaign against Spain in all of Latin America. The first "Grito Libertario" (Shout for Freedom) in any Western Hemisphere Spanish colony of took place in Sucre in 1809.  
 
As Spanish royal authority weakened during the [[Napoleonic wars]] from 1803 to 1815, resentment towards colonial rule grew. Many argue Sucre was the epicenter that initiated the independence campaign against Spain in all of Latin America. The first "Grito Libertario" (Shout for Freedom) in any Western Hemisphere Spanish colony of took place in Sucre in 1809.  
  
Independence was proclaimed in 1809, but 16 years of struggle followed before the establishment of the republic, on August 6, 1825. The republic was named after the Venezuelan general who led [[South America]]n independence, [[Simón Bolívar]] (1783-1830).
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Independence was proclaimed in 1809, but 16 years of struggle followed before the establishment of the republic, on August 6, 1825. The republic was named after the Venezuelan general who led [[South America]]n independence, [[Simón Bolívar]] (1783-1830). Ironically, Bolivia was the last territory to gain its independence in 1825.
  
 
In 1839, after the city became the capital of Bolivia, it was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader [[Antonio José de Sucre]] (1795–1830).  
 
In 1839, after the city became the capital of Bolivia, it was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader [[Antonio José de Sucre]] (1795–1830).  
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The first oil company came to Bolivia in 1921, when Bolivia was found to have great reserves of oil, in addition to it's precious [[mineral]]s.
 
The first oil company came to Bolivia in 1921, when Bolivia was found to have great reserves of oil, in addition to it's precious [[mineral]]s.
  
 +
On April 9, 1952, the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement led a revolt and set into motion the [[Bolivian National Revolution]]. From 1964 through to the 1970s, control of the Bolivian government changed hands repeatedly, mostly after revolts by rival military officers.
  
Ironically, Bolivia was the last territory to gain its independence in 1825. In 1991, Sucre became a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].
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Successive elections in the 1970s led to coups, counter-coups, and caretaker governments. In the 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, and 2002 presidential elections, no candidate won a majority of the popular vote.
 +
 
 +
In 1991, Sucre became a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].
 +
 
 +
On December 18, 2005, [[Evo Morales]] (born 1959), the indigenous leader of the Movement Towards Socialism party, was elected to the presidency by 54 percent of the voters, an unprecedented absolute majority in Bolivian elections.  
  
 
==Government==
 
==Government==

Revision as of 21:31, 23 January 2009

Sucre
Charcas
La Plata, Chuquisaca
Panorama of the Historic City of Sucre.
Flag of Sucre
Flag
Official seal of Sucre
Seal
Nickname: The White City, City of the 4 Names
Sucre (Bolivia)
Sucre
Sucre
Location of Sucre within Bolivia.
Coordinates: {{#invoke:Coordinates|coord}}{{#coordinates:19|2|2.04|S|65|15|45.36|W|type:city
name= }}
Country Bolivia
Departament Chuquisaca
Province Oropeza Province
Founded September 29 1539
Government
 - Mayor Aydeé Nava
Elevation 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
Population (2006)
 - Total 225,000
Time zone GMT -4 (UTC)
Area code(s) 4
Website: www.hamsucre.gov.bo/
Historic City of Sucre*
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia
State Party Flag of Bolivia Bolivia
Type Cultural
Criteria iv
Reference 566
Region** Latin America and the Caribbean
Inscription history
Inscription 1991  (15th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Sucre, which is located in the south-central part of Bolivia, is the constitutional capital and seat of the Supreme Court (Corte Suprema de Justicia) of the country.

Geography

Sucre is also called “The City of Four Names”. Charcas was the indigenous name for the place upon which the Spaniards built the colonial city. La Plata was the name given to the emerging Hispanic city of privilege and honor. The name Chuquisaca was bestowed upon the city during the independence era. Sucre honors the marshal of the Battle of Ayacucho (December 9, 1824), Don Antonio Jose de Sucre.

Sucre sits in a fertile valley which is crossed by the Cachimayo River at 9153 feet (2790 metres) above sea level.

Its lower altitude gives Sucre a warm temperate climate year-round, and, when it's not raining, sunny days and clean, pure air. The average daytime temperature in January is 61.2°F (16.2°C), dropping to an average maximum of around 56.8°F (13.7°C) in July. Average annual precipitation is 17.2 inches (436mm), with most precipitation between December and March.

As a relatively small city, Sucre is easily walkable. The older sections have white colonial buildings with distinctive red-tiled roofs and balconies.

History

There is evidence that the Andean region was inhabited 10,000 years ago. From about 100 C.E., a major Indian civilization called the Tiwanaku culture developed at the southern end of Lake Titicaca.

By the late 14th century, a warlike tribe called the Aymara controlled much of western Bolivia. The Inca Indians of Peru defeated the Aymara during the 15th century and made Bolivia part of their huge empire until the Spanish conquest in 1538.

When the Spanish conquistadores overran the Inca Empire, Pedro Anzures, the Marqués de Campo Redondo, created a settlement called Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo on November 30, 1538.

In 1538, the Spanish King Philip II established the Audiencia de Charcas in La Plata with authority over an area which covers what is now Paraguay, southeastern Peru, Northern Chile and Argentina, and much of Bolivia. The Audiencia de Charcas was a subdivision of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

During most of the Spanish colonial period, Bolivia was a territory called "Upper Peru" or "Charcas" and was under the authority of the viceroy of Peru. Local government came from the Audiencia de Charcas. Bolivian silver mines produced much of the Spanish empire's wealth, so Spain controlled the region with a firm grip.

In 1601, the Recoleta Monastery was founded by the Franciscans and in 1609, an archbishopric was founded in the city. In 1624, St Francis Xavier University of Chuquisaca was founded.

Very much a Spanish city during the colonial era, the narrow streets of the city centre are organised in a grid, reflecting the Andalusian culture that is embodied in the architecture of the city's great houses and numerous convents and churches.

Until the 19th century, La Plata was the judicial, religious and cultural centre of the region. For much of its colonial history, Sucre's temperate climate was preferred by the Spanish royalty and wealthy families involved in silver trade coming from Potosí. Testament to this is the Glorieta Castle.

As Spanish royal authority weakened during the Napoleonic wars from 1803 to 1815, resentment towards colonial rule grew. Many argue Sucre was the epicenter that initiated the independence campaign against Spain in all of Latin America. The first "Grito Libertario" (Shout for Freedom) in any Western Hemisphere Spanish colony of took place in Sucre in 1809.

Independence was proclaimed in 1809, but 16 years of struggle followed before the establishment of the republic, on August 6, 1825. The republic was named after the Venezuelan general who led South American independence, Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). Ironically, Bolivia was the last territory to gain its independence in 1825.

In 1839, after the city became the capital of Bolivia, it was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre (1795–1830).

Too remote after the economic decline of Potosí and its silver industry, the Bolivian seat of government moved to La Paz in 1898.

The first oil company came to Bolivia in 1921, when Bolivia was found to have great reserves of oil, in addition to it's precious minerals.

On April 9, 1952, the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement led a revolt and set into motion the Bolivian National Revolution. From 1964 through to the 1970s, control of the Bolivian government changed hands repeatedly, mostly after revolts by rival military officers.

Successive elections in the 1970s led to coups, counter-coups, and caretaker governments. In the 1985, 1989, 1993, 1997, and 2002 presidential elections, no candidate won a majority of the popular vote.

In 1991, Sucre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On December 18, 2005, Evo Morales (born 1959), the indigenous leader of the Movement Towards Socialism party, was elected to the presidency by 54 percent of the voters, an unprecedented absolute majority in Bolivian elections.

Government

Bolivia is a republic. The president, who is both chief of state and head of government, is elected by popular vote for a single five-year term. The bicameral National Congress, or Congreso Nacional, consists of Chamber of Senators of 27 members elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms, and a Chamber of Deputies of 130 members, 70 of whom are directly elected from their districts and 60 are elected by proportional representation from party lists, all to serve five-year terms.

Bolivia is divided into nine departments, which are further divided into 100 provinces. The provinces are each divided into municipalities and cantons, which handle local affairs. In addition to being the nation's administrative capital, the city of Sucre is capital of the Chuquisaca department.

Economy

Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America. Per capita GDP was estimated at $4400 in 2007. During a long period of high inflation and economic struggle in the 1980s and early 1990s, a large informal economy developed.

Sucre is a major agricultural center and supplies the mining communities of the barren altiplano. It has an oil refinery and a cement plant.

Demographics

Population 247,300 in 2006

Home to a large indigenous population who maintain their traditional clothing and customs, and sell their crafts and goods available in the markets and fairs.

Language

Sucre remains the seat of the Catholic church in Bolivia, and a common sight is members of religious orders dressed in traditional costume.

Sucre's University (Universidad Real & Pontifice de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca) is one of the oldest universities in the new world.

Of interest

Festival time in Sucre.

The city attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to its well-conserved downtown with buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Nestled at the foot of the twin hills of Churuquella and Sika Sika, Sucre is the gateway to numerous small villages that date from the colonial era, the most well-known of which is Tarabuco, home of the colorful "Pujllay" festival held each March. Most of these villagers are members of one of the indigenous ethnicities. Many dress in clothing distinctive to their respective villages.

Its many well-preserved 16th-century religious buildings, such as San Lázaro, San Francisco and Santo Domingo, illustrate the blending of local architectural traditions with styles imported from Europe.

Dinosaur tracks have been found at Sucre's cement quarry and other sites.

A site 10km north of Sucre contains dinosaur footprints as well as prehistoric plant and animal fossils.

  • Casa de la Libertad - This house, on the main plaza, is where the Declaration of Independence of Bolivia was signed on August 6th, 1825. Portraits of presidents, military decorations, and documents, including the Declaration of Independence, are displayed. Photos
  • Museo de la Recoleta - Established by the Franciscan Order between 1601 - 1613, this complex served as a convent, barracks, prison, and museum. Now a museum, it houses anonymous paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries as well as works by Diego Quispe Curo and Juán Pérez Villareal. Photo.
  • Universidad Mayor de San Francisco Xavier - Founded on March 27th, 1624 by Padre Juan de Frías Herrán. Photo.
  • Biblioteca Nacional de Bolivia: Archivo Nacional - Contains documents of the Audiencia de Charcas and those of the republic. Includes documents from the XVI to the XX centuries.
  • Museo de Charcas - Displays paintings by Melchor Pérez de Holguín as well as furniture handcrafted by native Indians.
  • Museo del Arte Moderno - Displays works of modern Bolivian painting and sculptures.
  • Museo Textil Etnográfico - Features art exhibitions and art workshops.
  • Museo Antropológico - Displays skulls, pottery, mummies, and textiles from the eastern tribes of Bolivia.

Churches include:

  • The Cathedral, begun in 1551, this is the most complex pf the colonial religious buildings with Renaissance, Baroque and "Mestizo Baroque" features. Specially remarkable are the mayor altar and the dome crowned by the cross of Carabuco.
  • Chapel of the Virgen de Guadalupe - Built in 1617 by order of Fray Gerónimo Méndez de la Piedra, is next to the Cathedral and honors the Virgen with a jewel-covered image painted by Fray Diego de Ocaña.
  • San Francisco , begun in 1577, is honored for the "bell of freedom" calling Sucre's citizens to revolt on May 25th, 1809.
  • Santa Barbara - unique Renaissance church constructed in 1887.
  • La Merced, San Miguel and Santo Domingo
  • Santa Mónica
  • San Lázaro, begun in 1544 is the oldest church of the Audiencia de Charcas.


External links


References
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