Ludwig Beck vs Marcos Perez Jimenez

Beck was appointed Chief of the Army General Staff on July 1, 1935. He oversaw the rearmament and expansion of the German army in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. He became increasingly critical of Hitler's aggressive foreign policy.

Beck resigned as Chief of the Army General Staff on August 18, 1938, in protest against Hitler's plan to invade Czechoslovakia. He argued the invasion would lead to a war Germany could not win. His resignation was a significant act of military opposition.

Beck was designated by the conspirators to become the provisional head of state (Reichsverweser) after Hitler's assassination. He was to lead a new government and negotiate an end to the war. He was arrested at the Bendlerblock on July 20.

Beck was arrested after the failure of the July 20 plot. He was allowed to attempt suicide but failed. He was then executed by firing squad at Pl

Pérez Jiménez was a key military officer in the coup that overthrew President Rómulo Gallegos. He served as defense minister in the subsequent junta, consolidating his power within the military.

Pérez Jiménez assumed the presidency after a rigged election in 1952. He dissolved the constituent assembly and ruled as a dictator, suppressing political opposition and controlling the media.

Pérez Jiménez launched a massive public works program, building highways, housing projects, and the Caracas subway. These projects modernized the capital but were financed by oil revenue and often involved corruption.

Pérez Jiménez's regime used the National Security Police (SN) to arrest, torture, and exile political opponents. Thousands were imprisoned, and the regime maintained control through fear and censorship.

Pérez Jiménez was overthrown by a civilian-military uprising on January 23, 1958. He fled to the Dominican Republic and later to Spain, where he lived in exile until his death.