Jose Antonio Paez

Paez led 153 llanero cavalry in a daring charge against Spanish forces, achieving a decisive victory. This action secured his reputation as a key military commander in the Venezuelan War of Independence and demonstrated the effectiveness of llanero tactics.

Paez commanded the Venezuelan llanero cavalry under Sim

Paez led a separatist movement that declared Venezuela's independence from Gran Colombia. He became the first president of the new Republic of Venezuela, ending the union with Colombia and Ecuador established by Sim

Paez was elected as the first president of independent Venezuela, serving from 1830 to 1835. His administration established the foundations of the Venezuelan state, including a new constitution and economic policies favoring landowners.

Paez suppressed the Revolt of the Reforms, a liberal uprising against his conservative government. He defeated the rebels and restored order, consolidating his power and maintaining the conservative oligarchy's control over Venezuela.

After losing power, Paez was exiled from Venezuela in 1850. He lived in the United States and later returned in 1861 to lead a conservative rebellion during the Federal War, briefly serving as dictator before being forced into permanent exile.