Venezuela Dates

CC landed in Venezuela

Aug 1, 1498

Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela

Caracas

Jul 25, 1567

It becomes a key location due to its central position, fertile land, pleasant tropical climate and natural defenses being in a valley among mountains.

Independence

Jul 5, 1811

Venezuelans made the decision to separate from the Spanish Crown in order to establish a new nation based on the premises of equality of individuals

First rebellion

Sep 16, 1819

First rebellion against Spanish colonial rule.

Venezuela Fails

Dec 9, 1902

Venezuela fails to repay loans. Ports blockaded by British, Italian and German warships.

Benefits

Jan 1, 1973

Venezuela benefits from oil boom and its currency peaks against the US dollar; oil and steel industries nationalised.

New President

Jan 1, 1998

• Hugo Chavez elected president amid disenchantment with established parties, launches 'Bolivarian Revolution' that brings in new constitution, socialist and populist economic and social policies funded by high oil prices, and increasingly vocal anti-US foreign policy.

New Act

Jul 1, 2001

President Chavez uses enabling act to pass 49 laws aimed at redistributing land and wealth. Concern grows in business and some labour circles that he is trying to concentrate economic and political power in the state, along Cuban lines.

Rule

May 1, 2003

Government, opposition sign deal brokered by Organisation of American States which sets out framework for referendum on Hugo Chavez's rule.

Deaths

Mar 1, 2004

Several people killed and many injured in clashes between opponents and supporters of President Chavez.