Hugo Chávez

Rise of the Venezuelan President

Sep 25, 2009

Military man and leader of Venezuela for ten years, the often controversial Hugo Chávez has been at the forefront of a wave of democratic socialism in Latin America.

Hugo Rafael Chávez Frias was elected president of the South American country of Venezuela in December of 1998. Running on a platform that promised to do away with Venezuela’s former political system, allow independent and third parties into the country’s political ring, end corruption and provide for the poorest in the country, Chávez won the 1998 election by a significant margin. He assumed the office of the presidency in February, 1999.

Chavez’s Teen Age Years

After making a name for himself in the world of Venezuelan baseball and earning a scholarship to the Venezuelan Academy of Military Sciences, Hugo Chávez earned a degree in military arts and sciences and engineering. Completing his academic career, Chávez joined the military, moving quickly up the army ranks.

The Beginning of the Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement

It was around this time that Chávez, together with like-minded left-winged nationalist soldiers formed a group which they called the Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement. The group was so named due to its confirmed democratic socialist interpretation of the ideals of the revolutionary "The Liberator" Simón Bolívar.

1992 Venezuelan Coup D’état

In February of 1992, then again in November of the same year, lieutenant colonel Hugo Chávez along with about 12,000 men endeavored to overthrow the Carlos Andrés Pérez government. The coup was a failure and Chávez was imprisoned for two years. Though fruitless in his attempt to seize power, in Hugo Chávez, Venezuela had a new national hero. The coup bolstered Chávez’ popularity and ultimately set the stage for his eventual presidency.

2002 Venezuelan Coup D’état

Lasting a little over two days, the 2002 attempt to overthrow the Chávez government was an utter failure. What it did succeed in, however, was catapulting Chávez into the international spotlight.

Venezuelan Oil

As a leading source for U.S. oil and petroleum products, the stability of Venezuela became of great concern to the United States. Chávez’ vociferous denouncing of the U.S. foreign policy only served to further fuel the flames of distrust and fear.

Changes in Venezuela Under Chávez

Under the leadership of Chávez, Venezuela has become a more obviously nationalistic country, changing its course in allegiance away from the United States towards not only more autonomy, but also increased collaboration with fellow Latin American countries. Chávez’ has made no secret of his respect and admiration for the Castro-led Cuban government and other like-minded, left-leaning, populist governments.

Charisma vs Arrogance

The charisma and oratory proficiency of Chavez isn’t always appreciated outside of sympathetic countries. He is often regarded as being belligerent, confrontational, proud and unapologetic. What one set of people may see as a leader simply standing up for the rights of his people, others may view as an aggressive and pompous thumbing-of-the-nose at the rest of the world. Ultimately, history will be his judge.

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