Anita Arnon

But the two people pushing them to do it and assuring them that this is going to work, there are two.

It is Bolivar and it is Miranda.

Bolivar was 28 years of age at this time, but what's important is he made a vow six years before that on a hilltop and it's just beginning to take shape.

But you know what?

It's very, very different declaring independence and being independent.

So, we'll have more of that after the break.

Hmm.

Well, yeah, that's certainly the way that the Spanish.

Well, you know, it depends how religious you are, to be honest.

If you're an atheist, it's an earthquake.

It is an earthquake.

OK, fair enough.

Well, it is a devastating earthquake.

And, you know, the day that it strikes is kind of notable as well.

It's on Holy Thursday, March 26th, 1812.

And what happens with this earthquake, which is just so unlucky for the independence movement, is it particularly hits pro-independence cities?

Well, that's what the church says.

So that is what the church... So do you remember in the last episode we were saying that those who are particularly loyal to the Spanish crown, the church was loyal and then there were certain members of the church who were being less loyal and that was worrying the peninsulares, the Spanish back at home.

But by and large...

when the cities that are pro-independence are hit very hard.