In 1899, Ciprian Castro and his friend Juan Vincente Gomez took power when Guzman Blanco left for Europe. Castro becomes president in 1901 and approves a new constitution. He promotes centralization and strong armed forces.
At the time, Venezuela was in economic ruin because of war and depression. Therefore, Castro demanded that wealthy Venezuelans give him money. At the same time, Germans and British demanded repayment of their loans, but Venezuela did not have the money. In 1902, the British and Germans sent warships to Venezuela and blockaded their ports.
Then, as Castro's health declined, Gomez planned to take over. In 1908, he staged a coup when Castro went to Europe. Castro was exiled.
At the time, Venezuela was in economic ruin because of war and depression. Therefore, Castro demanded that wealthy Venezuelans give him money. At the same time, Germans and British demanded repayment of their loans, but Venezuela did not have the money. In 1902, the British and Germans sent warships to Venezuela and blockaded their ports.
Then, as Castro's health declined, Gomez planned to take over. In 1908, he staged a coup when Castro went to Europe. Castro was exiled.
