Guzman Blanco took power in 1870. He maintained control by forming alliances with the merchant class and the caudillos.
He wanted the following things:
He wanted the following things:
- A practical Venezuelan republic
- Capitalism
- Internal improvements
However, after being in power for 20 years, Guzman Blanco did not achieve much toward these goals. In fact, his promise of internal improvements led him to seek foreign aid from the British, leading to economic dependency and foreign debt.
He also opposed the church and officially ended tithing.
