Venezuela in 1953 was a country on the move. It was experiencing rapid changes. Oil was a major driving force behind this transformation. The South American nation was a leading oil producer. This brought wealth to the country.
The country was under the rule of a military dictator, Marcos Pérez Jiménez. He had seized power in a coup a few years earlier, in 1948. He held a tight grip on the nation. His government controlled many aspects of life. He did allow for economic development, though.
Oil revenue fueled large construction projects. New highways, buildings, and public works were built. Caracas, the capital, was transforming into a modern city. Skyscrapers began to appear on the skyline. These were symbols of progress.
The oil industry also created many jobs. People from rural areas moved to cities seeking work. This led to rapid urban growth. New neighborhoods sprang up around major cities. The population was shifting.
However, the wealth from oil was not evenly distributed. Many Venezuelans still lived in poverty. There was a large gap between the rich and the poor. This created social tensions. The government tried to address this with social programs.
In 1953, Venezuela hosted the Miss Universe pageant. This was a major event for the country. It brought international attention. It showcased Venezuela as a modern nation. The pageant was held in Caracas.
Despite the economic progress, political freedom was limited. Pérez Jiménez’s government suppressed dissent. Opponents were often jailed or exiled. Freedom of the press was restricted. The government controlled the media.
