Hugo Chavez Detail

About Hugo Chavez Detail

See Chavez main entry. He was a career military officer who attempted a coup in 1992, was imprisoned, and then elected president six years later. Chavez hosted Alo Presidente, a weekly television show where he spoke for hours, sang, and made policy announcements. His Bolivarian Revolution nationalized oil, built clinics, and reduced poverty. Chavez allied with Cuba, Iran, and Russia against the US. He died of cancer in 2013, after 14 years in power. His designated successor Nicolas Maduro presided over the collapse of Venezuela. Chavez remains a polarizing figure, idolized by supporters and blamed by critics for Venezuelas destruction.