Hugo Chavez
Duncan Cate & Sean Looney
How did Hugo Chavez's hold on oil in Venezuela effect the United States?
Background
Born in Sabaneta, Venezuela, on July 28, 1954. In Venezuelan military academy as an army officer. He tried to overthrow government in 1992 and as a result, he was sentenced to two years in jail. In 1999 he became president of Venezuela. First thing he did was create a new constitution. His slogan was "¡Por ahora!" His nickname was Esteban de Jesús.
Childhood
- Parents were teachers
- Second of seven children
- Very religious
- Experienced injustices of this world
Physical Characteristics
- Good public speaker
- Appears well kept and clean cut
- Showed strength and power through military
- 185 lbs
- 5' 6"
- Charismatic towards general population
- Inspirational to minorities
Policies
- Hated U.S.A.
- Sided with Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia, and North Korea
- Controlled oil fields in Venezuela
- Tight control on money in country
- Ruled with iron fist and fear in the people
Recruitment
- Organized political party called Fifth Republican Movement
- Led coalition of leftist parties
- Won 34% of seats in National Congress
- Champion of the poor
- Scourge of oligarchy
OIL!!!
- Nationalized oil assets and productions
- Provided oil to friendly nations, not U.S.
- Huge in oil industry
- Linked with middle east
- 95% of country's export earnings
- Helped allies with expanding countries
Chavez and his Oil
Miguel Tinker Salas: Chávez Used Venezuelan Oil To Drive Social Change for Latin America
Hugo Chavez wanted to use oil to help him expand central and latin american countries. He had a monopoly on the western hemisphere for oil. Venezuela has ninety five percent of the oil in central and latin america. With this, he would increase prices for nations that Venezuela was not friendly with, but would make it easier for friendly nations to purchase oil. The United States is not liked by Chavez and the Venezuelan government. With Chavez not being friendly with the U.S, he is going to make them pay extra for oil.