[3] The reorganisation of the country into a more unitary structure, without the separate state armies that had caused chaos earlier, also resulted in the Liberal party being marginalised in congress.

The Liberal revolt failed in a short amount of time due to a lack of organisation, weapons, manpower and official support.

In Boyacá, the rebels were led by Pedro María Pinzón, who marched with the forces from the west of the department (some 1,600 men) to Tunja to join those from the north.

In Santander, whilst the rebels within the province were not of any great strength, a significant invasion by Colombian emigres based in the Venezuelan town of Rubio invaded the province of Cúcuta on 29 January and a week later defeated government forces at Bagalal, and then advanced to capture the towns of Rosario and Cúcuta.

On 18 February, approximately 2,000 rebels left Cúcuta heading south, under the command of Generals José María Ruiz and Pedro Soler Martínez, with the intent of joining forces with those of Boyacá.