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
Bertrand Parres / AFP / Getty Images
Imprisoned for his role in the rebellion, Chávez spent two years in detention. He was released in 1994 by then-President Rafael Caldera, who also pardoned him. Here, he speaks to the press after being freed.
