Venezuela, or the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country that has a history of being ruled by other countries. They were granted independence from Spain July 5, 1811 and finally from Gran Colombia January 13, 1830. The country was finally recognized as their own March 30, 1845. In 1498, Christopher Columbus visited Venezuela which was occupied by Native Indian tribes. In 1521, Spain begins colonizing countries and land. It is hundreds of years before Venezuela breaks free from Spain and then from Gran Colombia. From 1870 to 1888, then current leader Antonio Guzman Blanco works with the country to develop infrastructure, education, and foreign investment. Dictator Juan Vicente Gomez takes over from 1908-1935 at the height of Venezuela’s
