Inspired by the first attempt of the Venezuelans to win their independence in 1810, members of the Patriotic Society in the capital Caracas decided to create a patriotic song to encourage the people in their revolution against Spain. While Venezuelan independence was declared in 1811, both the composer and lyricist of the anthem, still fighting in the revolution, were executed by a Spanish firing squad in 1814.

Different from most other anthems of the area (known in this site as “Latin American epic anthems“), the Venezuelan anthem has been known as the “Venezuelan Marseillaise“, possibly due to its origins.