Juan Vicente Gomez

Gomez seized power in a coup while President Cipriano Castro was abroad for medical treatment. Gomez assumed the presidency and began a 27-year dictatorship, consolidating control over Venezuela's military and political institutions.

Gomez granted extensive oil concessions to foreign companies, particularly Royal Dutch Shell and Standard Oil, under favorable terms. This established Venezuela as a major oil exporter but created a rentier economy dependent on foreign capital.

Gomez violently suppressed student-led protests against his regime in Caracas. Hundreds were arrested, and the government closed universities, using secret police and military force to eliminate dissent.

Gomez died in office on December 17, 1935, ending his 27-year dictatorship. His death triggered a power vacuum and led to a transition toward democratic governance under Eleazar L