How did the fall of Puerto Cabello contribute to the collapse of Venezuela’s First Republic?

The fall of Puerto Cabello was a critical factor in the collapse of Venezuela’s First Republic because it compromised the security of the young nation at a vital strategic point.

After Simón Bolívar was placed in charge of the fortress at Puerto Cabello, the position was lost to Spanish forces due to the treasonous actions of one of his officers. This loss, combined with the broader military situation, led the commander in chief, Francisco de Miranda, to enter into negotiations with the Spanish. The resulting armistice, signed in July 1812, effectively left the entire country at the mercy of Spain and brought the First Republic to an end.12

Following this defeat, Bolívar attributed the collapse of the republic to a lack of strong government and advocated for a more unified and decisive revolutionary effort in his El manifiesto de Cartagena.1