Born in poverty, Hugo Chávez rose through the military and survived a failed coup to become one of the most influential figures in Latin America. The socialist leader, a demagogic populist who consolidated power and was in his fourth term as president, died March 5 at the age of 58 after a secrecy-shrouded battle with cancer.
Rise of Chávez: The Late Venezuelan President’s Path to Power
Jorge Santo / AP
Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's fiery socialist president, died March 5 at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. Above, Chavez speaks to people gathered at the Plaza Caracas on Feb. 4, 1998, in Caracas, Venezuela during celebrations for the anniversary of Chavez's attempted 1992 coup.