Francisco de Paula Santander (1792-1840), was a Colombian Revolutionist.

He was given control of the rebels by Simon Bolivar. Bolivar was congratulated for his victory at the Battle of Boyacá but it was actually Santander who played the larger part in this battle.

In October of 1821, Santander was named vice president of Colombia. He believed in a constitutional government which Bolivar opposed. On September 24, 1824 Santander was suspended from office. A short time after that Bolivar escaped an assassination attempt. Santander was blamed without proof and sentenced to die. Instead he was banished. After Bolivar died, Santander returned and served as President of New Granada 1832 to 1836. During his administration there were many assassination plots and he only maintained control by force.