Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías
- Born:
- July 28, 1954, Sabaneta, Barinas State, Venezuela
- Died:
- March 5, 2013, Caracas, Venezuela
- Nationality:
- Venezuelan
- Profession(s):
- Politician, Military Officer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a working-class family in rural Venezuela.
- Educated in public schools and initially pursued a career in baseball.
- Enrolled in the Venezuelan Military Academy in 1971, graduating in 1975 with a degree in military science.
Career and Major Achievements
- Established the Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200) in 1982, advocating for social change.
- Led a failed coup attempt against President Carlos Andrés Pérez in 1992, resulting in imprisonment.
- Released from prison in 1994 and subsequently pursued a political career.
- Elected President of Venezuela in 1998 and re-elected in 2000, 2006, and 2012.
- Implemented the Bolivarian Revolution, a socialist political project focusing on social programs and nationalization.
- Oversaw significant changes to Venezuela's constitution.
Notable Works
- Cuentos del Arañero (collection of short stories)
- From Guerrilla to Head of State: The Unfolding of the Bolivarian Revolution (Autobiography)
Legacy and Impact
Hugo Chávez remains a controversial figure. He is credited with reducing poverty and inequality through social programs, while also criticized for authoritarian tendencies, economic mismanagement, and fostering political polarization. Discussions about Hugo Chávez biography height often overlook the significant social and political shifts during his presidency.