Gómez, Juan Vicente (1857–1935)

Venezuelan dictator 1908–35 and president. The discovery of oil during his rule attracted US, British, and Dutch oil interests and made Venezuela one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America. Gómez amassed a considerable personal fortune and used his well-equipped army to dominate the civilian population.

He failed to implement any social or educational policies, with the result that many Venezuelans suffered hardship under his rule. His domination lasted until his death, even though his presidency was interrupted for two intervening periods, 1915–22 and 1929–31.

Gómez was born in San Antonio de Táchira. He became vice president in 1902, under Cipriano Castro, becoming president when Castro was exiled in 1908. He became commnder in chief of the army in 1915.