Why did Venezuela’s second republic fall in 1814?

The fall of Venezuela’s Second Republic in 1814 was primarily driven by the military successes of royalist forces, specifically the llaneros (cowboys) commanded by José Tomás Boves.1

These royalist forces utilized an undisciplined but highly effective cavalry that Simón Bolívar was unable to repel. Boves subjected Creole patriots to severe atrocities, and his capture of Caracas and other major cities effectively ended the republic.1

The collapse was further exacerbated by the fact that the majority of the Venezuelan population remained hostile to the independence movement and weary of the sacrifices it demanded. Following these defeats, Bolívar was forced to flee to New Granada.1