Marcos Perez Jimenez

ModernGeneralVenezuela1914 — 2001

Last Venezuelan military dictator of the 20th century.

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Quick Facts

Born

1914

Died

2001

Country

Venezuela

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)54

Influence (20%)54

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)71

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score53.9

Marcos Perez Jimenez — Complete Timeline

1948 AD

Participation in the 1948 coupPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

CoupMilitaryPower Consolidation

Impact: nationaldestructive

1952 AD

Assumption of presidencyPolitical Action

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.

DictatorshipElection FraudPresidency

Impact: nationaldestructive

1953 AD

Construction of Caracas infrastructureReform◆ Major

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.

InfrastructureUrban DevelopmentOil Revenue

Impact: nationalconstructive

Repression of political opponentsPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

RepressionHuman RightsDictatorship

Impact: nationaldestructive

1958 AD

Overthrow and exilePolitical Action

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.

CoupExileEnd of Dictatorship

Impact: national