Who settled Venezuela?

Venezuela was first colonized by Spain in 1522. Indeed, the Spanish Empire's first permanent South American settlement was in what is now Cumaná. Most of Venezuela eventually became part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada; portions of eastern Venezuela became part of New Andalusia.

Who first settled in Venezuela?

Christopher Columbus first sighted the coast of Venezuela in 1498. About two decades later, the Spanish began to settle in the country. At the time of the settlement, there were as many as 400,000 Amerindians inhabiting the region.

Who founded the land of Venezuela?

Spain's colonization of mainland Venezuela started in 1522, establishing its first permanent South American settlement in the present-day city of Cumaná. In the 16th century, Venezuela was contracted as a concession by the King of Spain to the German Welser banking family (Klein-Venedig, 1528–1546).

Who was Venezuela conquered by?

Spanish expeditions led by Columbus and Alonso de Ojeda reached the coast of present-day Venezuela in 1498 and 1499. The first colonial exploitation was of the pearl oysters of the "Pearl Islands".

Who helped establish Venezuela?

Bolivar hoped to unite all South American countries into one nation. He did not succeed in this plan. Instead, his leadership helped establish what are now the nations of Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela.

The collapse of Venezuela, explained

How did Venezuela gain independence from Spain?

Venezuela effectively achieved its independence from Spain by 1819 as part of the Republic of Colombia, and the United States recognized the Colombian federation in 1822. After Venezuela separated from Colombia in 1830, the United States recognized and established diplomatic relations with Venezuela in 1835.

What groups lived in Venezuela before the revolution?

BEFORE THE REVOLUTION

Under Spanish rule, a planter elite, called hacendados, dominated Venezuela. Among the elite, those born in Spain were known as peninsulares (from the Iberian Peninsula) and those native to America as criollos (creoles).

When did the Spanish settle Venezuela?

The territory now known as Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 amid resistance from indigenous peoples. In 1811, it became one of the first Spanish-American territories to declare independence, which was not securely established until 1821, when Venezuela was a department of the federal republic of Gran Colombia.

How long was Venezuela a Spanish colony?

Barely three decades later, however, Venezuela would suddenly--after almost three centuries on the periphery of the Spanish American empire--find itself at the hub of the independence movement sweeping Latin America.

When did Spain leave Venezuela?

On 17 December 1819, the Congress of Angostura declared Gran Colombia an independent country. After two more years of war, the country achieved independence from Spain in 1821 under the leadership of its most famous son, Simón Bolívar.

Why did Spain colonize Venezuela?

Colonial Venezuela's primary value to Spain was geographic: its long Caribbean coastline provided security from foreign enemies and pirates for the Spanish bullion fleet during its annual journey between Portobelo, in present-day Panama, and Cuba.

What was Venezuela called before?

Gran Colombia declared independence from Spain on July 5, 1811. With the help of Mariscal de Sucre and British missionaries, Bolívar's forces finally defeated the Spanish in 1821. In 1830, the larger state of Gran Colombia collapsed, and Venezuela emerged as an independent state.

Why did Venezuela want independence from Spain?

The economy was mostly agricultural and a handful of extremely wealthy families had complete control over the region. In the years leading up to independence, the Creoles (those born in Venezuela of European descent) began to resent Spain for high taxes, limited opportunities, and mismanagement of the colony.

Who lived in Venezuela before colonization?

Pre-Columbian Venezuela had an estimated population of one million. In addition to indigenous peoples known today, the population included historic groups such as the Kalina (Caribs), Caquetio, Auaké, Mariche, and Timoto-Cuicas.

What happened to the indigenous people of Venezuela?

The Hoti, Yanomami and Piaroa, isolated indigenous groups in Venezuela, are under threat on several fronts. Mining, legal and illegal, is disturbing their lands. Some have been forced to labor in the mining industry and others have decided to leave their territories and go deeper into the forest.

Who was the first European to land in Venezuela?

1498: The Third Journey of Christopher Columbus

The First Europeans to see present-day Venezuela were the men sailing with Christopher Columbus in August of 1498 when they explored the coast of northeastern South America. They explored Margarita Island and saw the mouth of the mighty Orinoco River.

What European country colonized Venezuela?

Venezuela was first colonized by Spain in 1522. Indeed, the Spanish Empire's first permanent South American settlement was in what is now Cumaná. Most of Venezuela eventually became part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada; portions of eastern Venezuela became part of New Andalusia.

Who colonized Colombia?

The Spanish explored the region in 1500 and began colonization of Colombia soon after with Santa Marta founded in 1525, followed by Cartagena in 1533, the New City of Granada (soon renamed Santa Fe) in 1535, and Cali in 1536.

Where did Columbus Land Venezuela?

Explorer Christopher Columbus sets foot on the American mainland for the first time, at the Paria Peninsula in present-day Venezuela. Thinking it an island, he christened it Isla Santa and claimed it for Spain. Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451.

What is the religion of Venezuela?

The U.S. government estimates 96 percent of the population is Catholic. The remaining population includes evangelical Protestants, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ), Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, Baha'is, and Jews.

What are 5 interesting facts about Venezuela?

Which 2 revolutionaries helped free the South American countries from Spain?

Which 2 revolutions helped free the South American countries from Spain? United States Europe and the British Empire were neutral aiming to achieve political influence and trade without the Spanish monopoly. In South America Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín led the final phase of the independence struggle.