GÓMEZ, JUAN VICENTE


Meaning of GÓMEZ, JUAN VICENTE in English

born 1857/64, San Antonio de Táchira, Venez.

died Dec. 17, 1935, Maracay

Dictator of Venezuela (1908–35).

Though he had almost no formal education, he rose to power by joining a private army that captured Caracas and the government. In 1908 he seized control from his former commander; thereafter he ruled either as president or through puppet governments until his death. Under Gómez, Venezuela achieved a measure of independence and economic progress, but he controlled the nation through force and terror. He was reputedly the wealthiest man in South America at the time of his death.

Britannica English dictionary.      Английский словарь Британика.