July 5: Independence Day in Venezuela
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Venezuela.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
Venezuela declared independence from Spain on July 5, 1811. It was the first Spanish colony in South America to do so.
Francisco de Miranda was a prominent Venezuelan leader during this period. He had visited the American colonies during the American Revolution and met George Washington, among other American leaders. Miranda also participated in the French Revolution.
In 1805 Miranda led a failed effort to make Venezuela independent. He tried again in 1810 with Simón Bolívar and others. The revolutionaries had internal disagreements, and Bolívar’s contingent handed Miranda over to the Spanish authorities. He was imprisoned until his death in 1816.
Simón Bolívar was a major leader during a decade of conflict with Spain. The independent nation known as Gran Columbia eventually emerged in 1821. This included territory in modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, and parts of other neighboring countries. Venezuela left Gran Columbia in 1830.
Venezuela developed its oil industry in the 20th century and became a founding member of OPEC (The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), the only one outside the Middle East. Venezuela controls the world’s largest known oil reserves.
For a time, the country was one of the richest in the world. However, in recent decades, the government has implemented policies that have led to severe economic hardship for the country’s 31 million people.
This photo from July 5, 2019, shows a protest led by interim president Juan Guaidó against political violence in the country. Photo by David Jose Pena Alarcon / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Inspired by a variety of cultural influences, Venezuelans enjoy several musical styles that reflect their heritage.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
