Castro, Cipriano definition of Castro, Cipriano in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Castro, Cipriano (sēprēä`nō käs`trō), 1858?–1924, president of Venezuela (1901–8). In 1899 he usurped the government, overthrowing Andrade. Called the Lion of the Andes by his followers, he was a stern and arbitrary caudillo, who nevertheless improved the country's economy. Castro's administration is notable because of the financial claims (see Venezuela Claims Venezuela Claims. In 1902, due to civil strife and to gross mismanagement during the administration of Cipriano Castro , Venezuelan finances were chaotic. Great Britain, Germany, and Italy were determined to seek redress for unpaid loans and sent a joint naval
..... Click the link for more information. ) made by several foreign powers and his defiance of them. He retired briefly in 1906 and was succeeded by Juan Vicente Gómez Gómez, Juan Vicente (hwän vēsān`tā gō`mĕs), 1857–1935, caudillo of Venezuela (1908–35).
..... Click the link for more information. , but after having violent disagreements with Gómez, Castro again assumed power. In 1908 Castro went to Europe. Gómez immediately deposed him and took control. Castro died in exile.