Marcos Pérez Jiménez

The Cold War brought with it new tensions in Latin America. Nationalist sentiments and populist leaders found a common enemy in the United States. Lingering resentments from neocolonial economic structures coupled with new feelings of neglect in light of the Europe-aimed Marshall Plan meant that, for many citizens of Venezuela and elsewhere, United States intervention was wildly unpopular. The United States’ foreign policy revolved around the containment of communism and protecting their own economic interests. In Venezuela, this meant that the United States backed dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez.

              Jiménez had participated in two military coup d’état in the forties, and came to presidential power in 1952. The United States was concerned about Venezuela’s Democratic Action Party, which it considered to be too communist. Jiménez outlawed the party and reacted amiably to US foreign oil investments. Although he funneled money into public works projects such as railroads, factories, and dams, much of the money returned to Jiménez’ own pocket. His time as dictator also saw the use of the military and secret police to repress any rebellion or opposition. The press and freedom of speech were severely limited, and the university was closed.  However, the Times article—of which the cover pictured above is from—focuses mainly on the affluence of an oil-rich Venezuela and the public works projects of the “strongman.” Although they include a quote from Jiménez where he explicitly admits to censoring the press, they also include the approval of US businessman on Jiménez’ economic actions. The article carefully tiptoes between acknowledging the restriction of liberties and praising his economic policy.

              In the Revolution era of Latin American history (1945-1960), any potential revolution was stifled by Venezuelan dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez with the careful support of the United States.

Works Cited

Chasteen, John Charles. Born in Blood and Fire. 4th edition. New York: W.W. Norton, 2016

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Marcos Pérez Jiménez.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Marcos-Perez-Jimenez.

“Time Covers – The 50S – Ernest Hamlin Baker – Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/asset/time-covers-the-50s/LQHffQ9oVqF7Zw.