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Apr 24, 1498
Christopher Columbus
Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, working on behalf of the Spanish Monarchy, sails along Venezuela's eastern coast Importance: Founded Venezuela, and started colonization -
Apr 24, 1499
Naming
Alonso de Ojeda, a spanish explorer, names the countries north coast "Venezuela" because of it's resemblence to the Italian city. Importance: Names the land -
Venezuela's declaration of Independence
The King of Spain is overthrown by France's Napoleon Bonaparte, providing an opening for anti-colonial movements fighting for Independece. Importance: Venezuela's declaration of Independence -
Gran Columbia
After a series of battles, Gran Colombia- comprising Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, win independence from Spain. Importance: Simon Bolivar, venezuelas national hero, plays a key role. -
Ports
After failing to repay foreign loans, Venezuela's ports are blocked by Germany, British, and Italian warships. Importance: This cutes off trade -
Dictatorship
Venezuela cecomes one of the worlds largest oil exporters under the leadership of Juan Vicente, a dictator. Importance: Under dictatorship, but the economy is flurishing from oil trade -
Oil Embargo
The Arab oil embargo begins following the "yom Kippur War" between Arab states and Isreal. Importance: Oil prices rapidly rise, benifiting Venezuela. -
President Carlos Andres Perez
President Carlos Andres Perez is elected president as Venezula seeks loans from the International Monetary Fund to prop up it's economy. Importance: New Leadership -
Campaign
Chavez wins Presidential elecions by a margin above 20 percent, against challenger Francisco Arias. Importance: Presideential Election shows positive -
Violent protests
Violent prision outbreaks riot Venezuela. Importance: Shows unstableness for the upcoming elections.
