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February 1992 Venezuelan coup attempt Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The 1992 Venezuelan Coup Attempt: Causes and Consequences

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The 1992 Venezuelan Coup Attempt: Causes and Consequences Study Guide

The February 1992 Bolivarian Revolution Attempt

The February 1992 Venezuelan coup attempt was successfully led by Hugo Chávez to overthrow President Carlos Andrés Pérez.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the coup attempt was led by Hugo Chávez with the objective of overthrowing President Carlos Andrés Pérez, it ultimately failed to achieve its goal of deposing the government.

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Hugo Chávez held the rank of Colonel in the Venezuelan military when he led the February 1992 coup attempt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hugo Chávez was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Venezuelan military at the time he led the February 1992 coup attempt.

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The February 1992 coup attempt brought Hugo Chávez widespread national recognition, particularly among the poor who saw him as a challenger to government corruption.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite the failure of the coup to depose the government, the February 1992 attempt brought Hugo Chávez into the national spotlight, with many poor Venezuelans viewing him as a figure who challenged government corruption.

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Official reports stated that exactly 32 people died during the February 1992 coup attempt, with civilian casualties being significantly lower than military ones.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fighting during the coup attempt resulted in the deaths of at least 143 people, and possibly several hundred. While official reports mentioned 32 deaths, civilian casualties were higher than military ones.

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The MBR-200 coup was originally planned for February 4, 1992, and carried out on that date.

Answer: False

Explanation: The MBR-200 coup was initially planned for December 1991 but was delayed by Hugo Chávez until the early morning hours of February 4, 1992.

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Approximately 50% of Venezuela's military forces supported Hugo Chávez's coup attempt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Approximately 10% of Venezuela's military forces were loyal to Hugo Chávez during the coup attempt.

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Hugo Chávez's objective was to capture President Pérez and force him into exile.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hugo Chávez's objective was to intercept President Pérez upon his return to Venezuela, take him into custody, and allegedly execute him, not merely force him into exile.

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President Pérez was captured easily at the airport as he returned to Venezuela during the coup attempt.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Pérez evaded capture during the coup attempt by speeding away from the airport, alerted to the plot.

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Upon surrendering, Hugo Chávez famously stated that the coup's objectives had been achieved.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon surrendering, Hugo Chávez stated that the objectives had not been achieved 'por ahora' ('for now'), implying future attempts.

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Who was the primary leader of the February 1992 Venezuelan coup attempt?

Answer: Hugo Chávez

Explanation: Hugo Chávez was the primary leader of the February 1992 coup attempt, heading the Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200).

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What organization was responsible for the February 1992 coup attempt in Venezuela?

Answer: The Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200)

Explanation: The February 1992 coup attempt was orchestrated by the Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200), led by Hugo Chávez.

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How did the February 1992 coup attempt immediately impact Hugo Chávez's national standing?

Answer: He gained national recognition, especially among the poor, as a challenger to corruption.

Explanation: Despite the failure of the coup to depose the government, the February 1992 attempt brought Hugo Chávez into the national spotlight, with many poor Venezuelans viewing him as a figure who challenged government corruption.

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What were the reported casualty figures for the February 1992 coup attempt?

Answer: At least 143 deaths, possibly several hundred, with higher civilian casualties.

Explanation: The fighting during the February 1992 coup attempt resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 143 deaths and potentially several hundred more. Civilian casualties were notably higher than military ones.

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When was the MBR-200 coup originally planned, and when did it actually occur?

Answer: Planned for December 1991; occurred on February 4, 1992.

Explanation: The MBR-200 coup was initially planned for December 1991 but was delayed by Hugo Chávez until the early morning hours of February 4, 1992.

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Approximately what percentage of Venezuela's military forces were loyal to Hugo Chávez during the coup attempt?

Answer: Approximately 10%

Explanation: At the time of the coup attempt, Hugo Chávez held the loyalty of approximately 10% of Venezuela's military forces.

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What was Hugo Chávez's ultimate objective regarding President Pérez during the coup attempt?

Answer: To capture Pérez and allegedly execute him.

Explanation: Hugo Chávez's objective was to intercept President Pérez upon his return to Venezuela, take him into custody, and allegedly execute him, not merely force him into exile.

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How did President Pérez manage to evade capture during the coup attempt?

Answer: He was driven away from the airport at high speed without headlights.

Explanation: President Pérez evaded capture during the coup attempt by speeding away from the airport, alerted to the plot, thus evading the attempt by Miguel Rodríguez Torres.

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What famous statement did Hugo Chávez make upon surrendering, which became symbolic of his future ambitions?

Answer: The objectives were not achieved 'por ahora' (for now).

Explanation: Upon his surrender, Hugo Chávez famously stated that the coup's objectives had not been achieved 'por ahora' (for now). This phrase became symbolic, indicating his intent to continue his political struggle, which ultimately led to his presidential victory in 1998.

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The February 1992 coup attempt is considered a significant turning point in Venezuelan history primarily because:

Answer: It exposed deep societal divisions and paved the way for Chávez's rise.

Explanation: The February 1992 coup attempt served as a critical juncture in Venezuelan history by revealing profound societal divisions and widespread dissatisfaction with the existing political and economic order. This event significantly contributed to the eventual rise of Hugo Chávez to political prominence.

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Venezuela's Socio-Economic Crisis (1980s-1990s)

The primary context for the February 1992 coup attempt was Venezuela's economic boom fueled by high oil prices in the 1970s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The context for the coup attempt was the economic instability and hardship following the decline in oil prices in the 1980s and the implementation of austerity measures, not an economic boom.

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By the 1980s, Venezuela's economy had stabilized due to consistent high oil prices, leading to increased prosperity.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the 1980s, Venezuela's economy had destabilized due to falling oil prices, leading to a decline in prosperity and increased social hardship.

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President Carlos Andrés Pérez's liberalization policies enacted in 1989 included increasing social spending and maintaining price controls.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Pérez's 1989 liberalization policies involved reducing social spending and removing price controls, which negatively impacted the population.

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The 'Caracazo' protests in February 1989 were a direct result of President Pérez's economic liberalization policies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The widespread discontent caused by President Pérez's economic liberalization policies, which included reduced social spending and removal of price controls, erupted into the 'Caracazo' protests and riots in February 1989.

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What economic conditions in Venezuela served as the primary context for the February 1992 coup attempt?

Answer: Significant economic liberalization reforms causing social unrest due to hardship.

Explanation: Venezuela experienced a significant economic downturn by the 1980s due to falling oil prices. President Carlos Andrés Pérez implemented liberalization reforms in 1989, including reduced social spending and removal of price controls, which, despite aiming to stabilize the economy, led to widespread hardship and social unrest, creating the conditions for the 1992 coup attempt.

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Which factor significantly contributed to Venezuela's economic and social instability by the 1980s?

Answer: A substantial decline in oil revenues.

Explanation: The substantial decline in oil revenues during the 1980s significantly contributed to Venezuela's economic and social instability, leading to increased poverty, unemployment, and public discontent.

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What was a key condition imposed by the IMF for assisting Venezuela with its debts?

Answer: Enacting budgetary and fiscal reforms to curtail deficits.

Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offered financial assistance to Venezuela on the condition that the country enact budgetary and fiscal reforms aimed at reducing its deficits.

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President Pérez's 1989 liberalization policies included which of the following actions?

Answer: Reducing social spending and removing price controls.

Explanation: President Pérez's 1989 liberalization policies involved reducing social spending, cutting commodity subsidies, and removing price controls on many goods, which disproportionately affected the working and lower classes.

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The widespread public discontent that erupted into the 'Caracazo' protests in February 1989 was primarily fueled by:

Answer: President Pérez's economic liberalization policies impacting the poor.

Explanation: The discontent caused by President Pérez's economic liberalization policies, which included reduced social spending and removal of price controls, led to widespread hardship and social unrest, culminating in the 'Caracazo' protests and riots in February 1989.

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How did the government respond to demonstrations calling for President Pérez's resignation in March and April 1992?

Answer: With state violence, including indiscriminate police firing, resulting in deaths.

Explanation: Demonstrations in March and April 1992 calling for President Pérez's resignation were met with state violence, including indiscriminate police firing into crowds, which resulted in numerous deaths.

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What was the significance of the Caracazo protests in the context of the coup attempts?

Answer: They demonstrated deep public discontent and contributed to instability.

Explanation: The Caracazo protests, triggered by austerity measures, demonstrated the deep public discontent with the government's economic policies and social inequality, contributing significantly to the instability that fueled the subsequent coup attempts.

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Key Figures and Political Alignments

The MBR-200 was founded in 1982 by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez Frías.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200), the organization behind the coup attempt, was established in 1982 by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez Frías.

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Former president Rafael Caldera capitalized on the political turmoil by criticizing the government and contributing to Pérez's eventual ousting.

Answer: True

Explanation: Former president Rafael Caldera leveraged the political instability and criticism of President Pérez's administration, contributing to Pérez's eventual removal from office.

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Which Venezuelan President was the target of the February 1992 coup attempt?

Answer: Carlos Andrés Pérez

Explanation: The February 1992 coup attempt was directed against the administration of President Carlos Andrés Pérez.

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Many participants in the 1992 coup attempts shared a political background linked to which group?

Answer: The Venezuelan Revolution Party (PRV) founded by Douglas Bravo.

Explanation: Many participants in the 1992 coup attempts had previously been associated with the Venezuelan Revolution Party (PRV), which sought to infiltrate the armed forces.

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Who founded the MBR-200, the organization behind the coup attempt?

Answer: Hugo Chávez Frías

Explanation: The MBR-200, the organization responsible for the coup attempt, was founded in 1982 by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez Frías.

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How did former president Rafael Caldera contribute to the political climate following the coup attempts?

Answer: He criticized the government's corruption and deteriorating democracy, aiding Pérez's ousting.

Explanation: Former president Rafael Caldera leveraged the political instability and criticism of President Pérez's administration, commenting on the deterioration of democracy and corruption, which contributed to Pérez's eventual removal from office.

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Which of the following statements best describes the outcome for President Carlos Andrés Pérez after the coup attempts?

Answer: His popularity plummeted, and he was later ousted on corruption charges.

Explanation: Although President Carlos Andrés Pérez survived the February 1992 coup attempt, his administration's popularity significantly declined due to the economic reforms and the ensuing unrest. He was eventually removed from office in May 1993 on charges of corruption.

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International Influence and Espionage

Fidel Castro allegedly placed sleeper agents in Venezuela to support the coup attempts, aiming to benefit from its oil profits during Cuba's economic challenges.

Answer: True

Explanation: Allegations suggest that Fidel Castro deployed sleeper agents in Venezuela to foster unrest and establish an ally, potentially to secure oil revenues amid Cuba's economic difficulties.

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CIA analyst Brian Latell suggested that Cuba's primary goal was to help Chávez establish a democratic government in Venezuela.

Answer: False

Explanation: CIA analyst Brian Latell suggested that Cuba's objective may have been to secure strategic dominance over Venezuela and its oil reserves, rather than to foster democracy.

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General Carlos Julio Peñaloza claimed that only Fidel Castro was aware of Hugo Chávez's coup plot.

Answer: False

Explanation: General Carlos Julio Peñaloza claimed in his book that both Fidel Castro and future Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera were aware of Hugo Chávez's coup plot.

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The *Los Angeles Times* suggested that corrupt Venezuelan officers might have attempted coups to profit from drug trafficking.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reporting from *The Los Angeles Times* indicated that beyond political and economic grievances, some coup attempts may have been motivated by corrupt officers seeking personal gain, potentially through involvement in drug trafficking.

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The alleged objective of Fidel Castro in organizing a coup was to establish a democratic ally in Venezuela.

Answer: False

Explanation: Castro's alleged objective was to establish an ally to gain access to oil revenues and potentially destabilize the region, not necessarily to promote democracy.

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What was the alleged role of Fidel Castro in the lead-up to the coup attempts?

Answer: He allegedly placed sleeper agents in Venezuela to foment unrest and sought an ally for Cuba.

Explanation: Allegations suggest that Fidel Castro deployed sleeper agents in Venezuela to foster unrest and establish an ally, potentially to secure oil revenues amid Cuba's economic difficulties.

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According to CIA analyst Brian Latell, what was a potential Cuban intelligence objective regarding Chávez's coup plans?

Answer: To secure Cuban strategic dominance over Venezuela and its oil reserves.

Explanation: CIA analyst Brian Latell suggested that Cuba's objective may have been to secure strategic dominance over Venezuela and its oil reserves, potentially by using Chávez as an agent or providing critical aid to his coup plans.

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General Carlos Julio Peñaloza claimed that which two individuals were aware of Hugo Chávez's coup plot?

Answer: Fidel Castro and Rafael Caldera.

Explanation: General Carlos Julio Peñaloza claimed in his book that both Fidel Castro and future Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera were aware of Hugo Chávez's coup plot.

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According to *The Los Angeles Times*, what alternative motive was suggested for some of the coup attempts?

Answer: To seize government control for personal profit, potentially from drug trafficking.

Explanation: Reporting from *The Los Angeles Times* indicated that beyond political and economic grievances, some coup attempts may have been motivated by corrupt officers seeking personal gain, potentially through involvement in drug trafficking.

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What was the alleged strategic objective of Cuba concerning Venezuela in the late 1980s and early 1990s?

Answer: To gain access to Venezuela's oil revenues and potentially destabilize the region.

Explanation: Allegedly, Cuba sought to establish an ally in Venezuela to gain access to its oil revenues, especially as the Soviet Union's economic support waned, and to potentially destabilize the region in favor of Cuban interests.

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What was the alleged strategic goal of Cuba concerning Venezuela in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to the source?

Answer: To gain access to Venezuela's oil revenues and potentially destabilize the region.

Explanation: Allegedly, Cuba sought to establish an ally in Venezuela to gain access to its oil revenues, especially as the Soviet Union's economic support waned, and to potentially destabilize the region in favor of Cuban interests.

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Consequences and Political Evolution

After the failed coup, Hugo Chávez was imprisoned in a standard civilian prison.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the failed February 1992 coup attempt, Hugo Chávez was imprisoned at the San Carlos military stockade.

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A second coup attempt occurred on November 27, 1992, led by army officers loyal to President Pérez.

Answer: False

Explanation: A second coup attempt occurred on November 27, 1992, but it was led by officers from the air force and navy, not those loyal to President Pérez.

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The Supreme Court ruled the *ad hoc* courts created after the November coup unconstitutional because they violated due process rights.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Supreme Court ruled the *ad hoc* courts unconstitutional not on due process grounds, but because the President had failed to suspend the relevant constitutional rights.

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The coup attempts led to a strengthening of Venezuela's established bipartisanship system due to increased public trust in institutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The coup attempts weakened Venezuela's established bipartisanship system due to declining presidential popularity and widespread unrest.

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President Carlos Andrés Pérez was removed from office in May 1993 on charges of attempting a coup.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Carlos Andrés Pérez was removed from office in May 1993 on charges of corruption, not for attempting a coup.

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Rafael Caldera fulfilled his campaign promise to pardon the coup plotters, which allowed Hugo Chávez to later run for president.

Answer: True

Explanation: Rafael Caldera fulfilled his promise to pardon the coup plotters, including Hugo Chávez, which enabled Chávez to participate in and subsequently win the 1998 presidential election.

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Francisco Arias Cárdenas ran against Rafael Caldera in the 2000 presidential election.

Answer: False

Explanation: Francisco Arias Cárdenas ran against Hugo Chávez in the 2000 presidential election, not Rafael Caldera.

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Where was Hugo Chávez imprisoned following the failed February 1992 coup attempt?

Answer: The San Carlos military stockade.

Explanation: Following the failed February 1992 coup attempt, Hugo Chávez was imprisoned at the San Carlos military stockade.

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What was the nature of the second coup attempt launched on November 27, 1992?

Answer: It was led by officers from the air force and navy, learning from previous errors.

Explanation: The second coup attempt, launched on November 27, 1992, was led by officers from the air force and navy who had learned from the tactical errors of the February attempt.

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What was the impact of the coup attempts on Venezuela's established bipartisanship system?

Answer: It weakened considerably due to declining presidential popularity and unrest.

Explanation: With President Pérez's declining popularity due to liberalization reforms and the failed coup attempts, the established bipartisanship system in Venezuela weakened considerably.

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President Carlos Andrés Pérez was ultimately removed from the presidency in May 1993 on what charges?

Answer: Corruption.

Explanation: President Carlos Andrés Pérez was removed from office in May 1993 on charges of corruption.

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Rafael Caldera's promise to pardon the coup plotters had what significant consequence?

Answer: It allowed Hugo Chávez to later run for and win the presidency.

Explanation: Rafael Caldera fulfilled his promise to pardon the coup plotters, including Hugo Chávez, which enabled Chávez to participate in and subsequently win the 1998 presidential election.

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Which coup leader ran against Hugo Chávez in the 2000 presidential election?

Answer: Francisco Arias Cárdenas

Explanation: Francisco Arias Cárdenas, who participated in the 1992 coup attempt, ran as the opposition candidate against Hugo Chávez in the 2000 presidential election.

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