Venezuela: Brief Historic Background

Human habitation of Venezuela is estimated to have commenced at least 15,000 years ago, from which period leaf-shaped flake tools, together with chopping and plano-convex scraping implements, have been found exposed on the high riverine terraces of the Rio Pedregal in western Venezuela.[6] Late Pleistocene hunting artifacts, including spear tips, have been found at a similar series of sites in northwestern Venezuela known as "El Jobo"; according to radiocarbon dating, these date from 13,000 to 7,000 BC.

The Spanish moved into Venezuela in the 1500s – (Columbus was the first European to land here) and what followed was years of Spanish rule. The country finally got its independence in 1821. The period after independence hasn’t been easy – the country has been riddled by despotism, anarchy, military dictatorship, civil wars, coups and financial collapses. Under the present rule of President Hugo Chavez the country is expected to go through major political changes as the existing constitution is being rewritten under his rule.

Much of Venezuela's nineteenth century history was characterized by political turmoil and dictatorial rule. During the first half of the 20th century, caudillos (military strongmen) continued to dominate, though they generally allowed for social reforms and promoted economic growth. Following the death of Juan Vicente Gómez in 1935 and the demise of caudillismo (authoritarian rule), pro-democracy movements eventually forced the military to withdraw from direct involvement in national politics in 1958. Since that year, Venezuela has had a series of democratically elected governments. The discovery of massive oil deposits, totaling some 400 million barrels,during World War I prompted an economic boom that lasted into the 1980s; by 1935, Venezuela's per capita GDP was Latin America's highest,and globalization and heavy immigration from Southern Europe and poorer Latin American countries markedly diversified Venezuelan society.