Antonio Guzmán Blanco's Septennium: Venezuelan Reforms (1870-1877)

Antonio Guzmán Blanco's First Septennium (1870-1877)

Initial Conflict and Dictatorial Declaration

The acting executive manager, Dr. Guillermo Tell Villegas, attempted to communicate with Antonio Guzmán Blanco's forces. A commission was sent on April 22, 1870, to Los Teques with a list of propositions. These propositions included:

• The removal of Guzmán Blanco.
• The appointment of a plenipotentiary of the states to determine the fate of the republic.
• The recognition of loyal states, rebels, and political parties.

Naturally, Guzmán Blanco did not accept any of these points and advanced to Caracas on April 27, 1870, declaring himself dictator that same day.

Key Events of the Septennium (1870-1877)

1. Total Control: Total control of the situation was achieved by seizing Puerto Cabello on May 12, 1870. This marked the defeat of the last government forces, represented by Manuel Herrera, José Martínez, and Manuel Hernández.
2. Presidential Proclamation: The Plenipotentiary Congress met in Valencia on July 11, 1870, proclaiming Antonio Guzmán Blanco President of the Republic, with General Francisco Linares Alcántara and Matías Ignacio Salazar designated as first and second presidential alternates (designados).

Political and Judicial Determinations

Among other important determinations, the following highlight the period:

1. Reorganization of the High Federal Court and the Court of Appeals.
2. Assumption of responsibility for paying the state debt owed to workers who had supported the revolution.
3. Reorganization of the university system.
4. Establishment of the Redemption Census (Censo de Redención).
5. Creation of the Conservatory of Fine Arts.

Economic Policy and Infrastructure Development

Key economic and infrastructure measures implemented during this period were:

1. Establishment of favorable economic measures, such as the elimination of intermediate trade sustained through the Antilles.
2. Replacement of that trade structure, potentially involving a 30% tariff on West Indian goods.
3. The proposition of free trade alongside the establishment of economic protectionism.
4. Establishment of the Bolívar currency as the national currency.
5. Expansion of navigation corridors in national rivers.
6. Initiation of work on the Caracas-La Guaira railroad (and improvement of existing lines).
7. Completion of the railway between Valencia and Puerto Cabello.

Constitutional and Federal Reforms

The most important aspects of the new political structure included:

1. Creation of a Federal Council composed of one senator and one deputy for every state.
2. The term of the Chief Magistrate (President) was set at two years, while other officials served four-year terms.
3. Determination and creation of the Court of Appeals.
4. Reorganization of the Republic into nine states, which retained their sovereignty and independence.