Guzman Blanco, Antonio

Guzmán Blanco, Antonio 

Born Feb. 29. 1829. in Caracas; died July 28, 1899. in Paris. Venezuelan government figure and general. A jurist by education.

Guzmán served as vice-president and, at the same time, minister of finance and foreign affairs from 1863 to 1868. He seized power in 1870 and for 18 years was the de facto dictator of the country, ruling in violation of the constitution and relying on the army for support. His administration granted concessions to foreign companies for the exploitation of mineral resources and the building of railroads. At the same time, hoping to gain the support of the masses. Guzmán pursued an anticlerical policy. His government closed monasteries and confiscated their property and introduced civil marriage and registration of births and deaths, all of which led to conflict with the church. Finally, in 1887. he was forced to resign and emigrate.