Celebrating 200 years of independence

19 April 1810 is understood as being the first step in Venezuela's independence from Spain. On that day the expanded municipal government of Caracas took power in the name of the king of Spain, deposing colonial officials. This started a movement, with other provinces recognising the new Caracas junta and forming their own one, and others continuing to recognise the Spanish authorities. Hence, a civil war began until Independence was formally declared on 11 July 1811.