Securing 74 percent of the vote in the 1947 general election, Rómulo Gallegos became the first freely elected president in the history of Venezuela. His tenure proved short, ending abruptly after nine months when he was ousted in a military coup led by Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, and Luis Felipe Llovera Páez.
Literary Beginnings and Exile
Born in Caracas in 1884, Gallegos initially worked as a journalist and teacher starting in 1903. His 1929 novel, Doña Bárbara, drew significant ire from the regime of dictator Juan Vicente Gómez, forcing the author into exile. During his time away in Spain, he produced notable works including Cantaclaro in 1934 and Canaima in 1935.
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Upon returning to Venezuela in 1936, Gallegos entered public service as Minister of Public Education and later served in the Chamber of Deputies. He participated in the 1945 coup that brought the Revolutionary Government Junta to power. By 1947, he secured the presidency representing Acción Democrática. His administration introduced a 50/50 tax scheme on oil profits and implemented an open-door immigration policy that increased the Italian population in the country.
Later Years and Legacy
Following his 1948 removal from office, Gallegos lived in Cuba and Mexico before returning to Venezuela in 1958 after the fall of Marcos Pérez Jiménez. He served as a senator for life from 1961 until 1969 and functioned as the first president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights between 1960 and 1963. He was a member of the Academia Venezolana de la Lengua and received the National Prize for Literature of Venezuela.
Fast facts
- Born: 1884, Caracas
- Died: 1969, Caracas
- Presidential term: 1948
- Literary debut: 1920, El último Solar
- Religion: Catholicism
- Burial site: National Pantheon
- Education: Central University of Venezuela
- Awards: National Prize for Literature of Venezuela
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the 1947 election?
Gallegos won the presidency with 74 percent of the vote.
Why was the Rómulo Gallegos International Novel Prize established?
It was created by presidential decree in 1964 to honor his work and stimulate Spanish-language creative activity.
