(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.
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