Venezuela History

Early settlers

Venezuela was once home to different tribes of Indians alone. Feeding on its tropical forests and fertile waters, the Caribs, Arawaks, and Chibcha, lived in peace and properity. The chibcha were the ones considered most modern among the three, with agricultural skills that developed terraces and irrigation for effective farming.

Initial discovery

The first European to spot the country of Venezuela is Christopher Columbus in the year 1498. However, it was Alonso de Ojeda who christened the country with "Venezuela" or little Venice. A year later, the Spanish came and took control of the country. But unlike other countries under the control of the Spaniards, Venezuela was less cared about by its sovereign.

Fight for independence

Although Venezuela seemed a quiet country, it was actually the root of most freedom fighters in South America, particularly Simon Bolivar who led an army and freed a number of South American countries from their colonizers. Bolivar also fought for his motherland and freed it from dictatorship.

The discovery of oil

Due to increasing desires to be freed from dictatorship, Venezuela's peace was cut short. Internal turmoil began. Despite this, luck remained on Venezuela's side. Oil was soon discovered. The discovery led to a time of prosperity and economic stability of the country. However, most of the benefits of oil went to the hands of the well-to-do and those in dire need remained to be needy.

The very first elections

In 1947, Romulo Betancourt put an end to the series of dictatorship in the country. Betancourt led a revolution and redressed the country's constitution. The first elected president took office the same year. Unfortunately, he was ousted by a dictator and what could have been a beginning of peace, made a wrong turn for the worst. Until today the country remains under strife. The economy is only supported by the booming oil industry.