Venezuela’s Federal War and Subsequent Political Eras
1) Federal War
a) Background
Before the Federal War, Venezuela suffered a civil war (1859-1863) and many conflicts due to leadership disputes. Zamora was captured and sentenced to death, a condemnation that was not carried out.
b) The Nature of the Federal War
- In the first year, the battle was decisive under the command of the federalist Zamora. After his death, Juan Crisostomo Falcon commanded the army, but their actions were often ineffective as the attacking troops frequently withdrew.
- The Federal War spread throughout the country, especially in the plains.
2) Government of Falcon
During Falcon’s rule, disorder worsened in public administration and the management of public funds. Falcon allegedly received 150,000, and each party rewarded their generals, colonels, commanders, and other officers and troops. Embezzlement of government funds through customs and smuggling reached scandalous levels, and the fiscal situation deteriorated to the point that the finance minister resigned in 1867 due to lack of funds in the treasury.
3) Blue Revolution
In 1867, a revolution emerged with the motto “blue,” signifying a desire for reconciliation.
4) Government of Guzman Blanco
a) Septenio (Seven-Year Term)
This was the first seven-year period of Guzmán Blanco’s rule, from 1870 to 1877. This period is considered one of the most prolific and progressive in Venezuelan history. At the end of this term, Blanco chose General Francisco Linares Alcántara as his successor. However, Alcántara broke with Blanco’s policies and formed an anti-Guzmán faction.
b) Five-Year Plan
In May 1884, Guzmán Blanco was re-elected president. This new period, known as the “Five-Year Plan,” saw continued material progress but also a worsening of the dictatorial aspects of Guzmancismo. At the end of this period, he selected General Joaquin Crespo, who ruled from 1881 until 1886, as his successor. Opposition to autocracy gained momentum with the introduction of positive ideas and the student political movement during Crespo’s first presidency.
c) Acclamation
This was Guzmán Blanco’s last government, as he was elected president by the Federal Constitutional Council for the period 1886-1888. He served until 1887, after which he went to Europe permanently, choosing General Hermogenes Lopez to finish his term.
5) Juan Vicente Gómez
Juan Vicente Gómez was a dictator who came to power through Cipriano Castro. Gómez was typically in charge when Castro was absent. When Castro fell ill and traveled to Europe, Juan Vicente Gómez remained in control. During this period, Venezuela suffered under his rule. Gómez gradually placed his family in high positions in government and amassed a large fortune, becoming the wealthiest person of his time.
6) Political Processes After the Federal War
a) Appointment of Juan Crisostomo Falcon
Juan Crisostomo Falcon was appointed interim president and then elected president for the 1865-1869 period. During his government, the Constituent Assembly was installed, which enacted the Federal Constitution of 1864.
b) Government of Castro (Blockade)
During Castro’s administration, the republic faced a grave international conflict stemming from the nation’s debt to foreign countries. By 1900, the foreign debt reached 190,000,000, and numerous foreign companies took advantage of the crisis to press charges and used their governments to demand cancellation.
c) Features of the Government of Gomez
- Continued and completed the process of liquidating the warlords, which began during the time of Guzmán Blanco.
- Modernized the Army and provided equipment.
- Foreign military instructors were brought in, and the best modern weaponry was acquired.
- Aircraft were purchased, and French and German instructors were introduced.
- Introduced the first car and initiated the so-called road policy.