*Includes a list of Chavez's most colorful and controversial quotes.
*Includes pictures of Chavez and important people, places, and events in his life.
"Yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, from this rostrum, the president of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world. Truly. As the owner of the world." - Hugo Chavez, Address to the United Nations, September 20, 2006.
The above quote is quintessentially Chavez - controversial, shocking, and designed to cause a stir. He shared his words with the entire United Nations General Assembly at a time when the United States was embroiled in two failing war efforts and its banks were inching ever closer towards the economic crisis of 2008. Yet Chavez shared his beliefs fearlessly, confident enough with his presidency and his role on the world's stage to criticize the US president in a way that had never been done before at the UN.
Understandably, Chavez is one of the most divisive and controversial political figures in Latin American history. He has been in power since 1999 and is South America's longest serving head of state. The leader of the movement towards Twenty-first Century Socialism, Chavez has sought to bring socialist reform to Venezuela through what he calls the Bolivarian Revolution. His goal has been to shift power from the nation's traditional oligarchy to the neglected poor.
Chavez's past is a complicated one, rife with military coups, troubled relationships, and political betrayal. During his presidency, he has written and implemented a new constitution, instituted democratic councils, and nationalized important industries. His admirers worship him as if he were Venezuela's very own messiah, while his critics view him as a monstrous, power-hungry demagogue who has trampled on human rights and the freedom of expression while fomenting class warfare.
Latin American Revolutionaries: The Life and Legacy of Hugo Chavez chronicles the controversial life and rule of Chavez, objectively portraying the man who is a savior to some and a demagogue to others. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events in his life, you will learn about Hugo Chavez like you never have before, in no time at all.
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