Juan Vicente Gómez’s Era: Power, Oil, and Unrest in Venezuela
The Long Period of Government Under Gómez (1908-1935)
On December 19, 1908, General Juan Vicente Gómez became the center of power in Venezuela, supported by the United States government. This support is understandable, given the deteriorated diplomatic relations between the Castro government and the United States, which had reached their lowest point. On April 24, 1909, General Gómez was invested with the dignity of Provisional President of Venezuela in the Capitolio Federal in Caracas, commemorating his inauguration as Provisional President in 1908. On July 3, 1910, Gómez took office and swore an oath to Congress as President of Venezuela. The succession of presidential constitutional exercises presented the following characteristics:
- (1910-1914): Constitutional President: This title was conferred upon General Gómez by the Constituent Assembly at the end of 1909.
- (1915-1922): This period was covered by the provisional presidency of Dr. Victorino Márquez. General Gómez, though choosing Márquez, maintained decisive influence over the interim head of the Venezuelan state.
- (1922-1929): The Congress of the Republic reappointed General Juan Vicente Gómez as Constitutional President of the Republic for this period. General Gómez assumed full control and exercised power directly. In 1928, uprisings against the regime began to take shape, fueled by a growing political consciousness, sponsored and led mostly by young academics known as the Generation of ’28, characterized by intense nationalism and patriotic fervor.
Besides these events, there were coup attempts, revolutions, and invasions, such as the one directed by General Román Delgado Chalbaud from Cumaná, using the ship Falke. Other revolutionary attempts were led by General Gabaldón and General Juan Rafael Peñalosa.
- (1929-1936): Again, Gómez was elected by Congress. However, General Gómez refused to continue exercising the presidency, and Dr. Juan Bautista Pérez was elected to that office, ruling until 1931.
Significant Events During Gómez’s Tenure
Notable events include:
- The discovery of oil and subsequent exploitation and industrialization.
- Various centennial celebrations related to the birth of the nation, which provided the government with a basis for constructing numerous public works.
- Venezuela’s full entry into the era of modern communications, with the establishment of aviation, the strengthening of the navy, and advancements in radio communications.
Caudillismo and Civil Wars
Caudillismo is a phenomenon characterized by the transportation of people or the exercise of power in the hands of a particular individual who, through their instruction, gifts of fortune, or attraction to the masses, achieves the unconditional support of the people who blindly follow their guidelines. The caudillo is distinguished by their individualism and their despotic and autocratic tendencies.