El Carupanazo

Quick Facts: Who was El Carupanazo?

Subject:

El Carupanazo

Known for:

A short-lived military rebellion in Carúpano, Venezuela, against Rómulo Betancourt's government.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

El Carupanazo was a short-lived military rebellion against the government of Rómulo Betancourt, in which rebel military officers commanding the Third Marine Infantry Battalion and the 77th National Guard Detachment took over the city of Carúpano in May 1962. The rebellion was followed a month later by another in Puerto Cabello, El Porteñazo. At around midnight on 4 May 1962, military officers in rebellion against the government of Rómulo Betancourt took over the city of Carúpano.

Career & Major Achievements

The insurgents, under control of Captain Jesús Teodoro Molina Villegas, Major Pedro Vegas Castejòn, and Lieutenant Héctor Fleming Mendoza, occupied the city's streets and buildings, the airport, and the radio station, Radio Carúpano, which they used to broadcast their message, calling themselves the Movimiento de Recuperación Democrática (Movement of Democratic Recuperation). President Betancourt demanded that the rebels surrender, but at the same he ordered the air force to attack the city and the navy began blocking the seaport in an operation called Operacion Tenaza. The following day, the government was able to take over Carúpano and its surroundings, arresting more than 400 military personnel and civilians that were involved in the rebellion.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Those involved were Congressman Eloy Torres of the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV), as well as other members of that party and the Movimiento de Izquierda Revolucionaria (MIR). As a result, Betancourt suspended constitutional guarantees, accused the PCV and MIR of being involved, and decreed both parties as illegal.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1962: 1962 Milestone — El Carupanazo was a short-lived military rebellion against the government of Rómulo Betancourt, in which rebel military officers commanding the Third Marine Infantry Battalion and the 77th National Guard Detachment took over the city of Carúpano in May 1962.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: El Carupanazo

True or False: “Did the El Carupanazo involve only local military units without external governmental response?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The government responded by ordering the air force to attack the city and initiating 'Operacion Tenaza' to block the seaport.

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Frequently Asked Questions about El Carupanazo