Question

consider the history of venezuela. in this context, why might the people of venezuela have supported a leader such as chavez

Answer 1

The people of Venezuela have suffered different military coups and political rivalries that stripped and strained the nation. Because of such events, people have supported persons like Chavez and many more to lead the country. Venezuela also suffered political turmoils and autocracy that made the country in dire state during the 20th century and also economic failures and shocks due to strikes and protests. One example of this is the ten year rule of military dictatorship from year 1948 to 1958 that only have ended by another coup and a transition to democratic government under Admiral Wolfgang Larrazabal.

Answer 2

Because he was highly nationalistic and united the people of Venezuela when the took power. He spoke against foreign aggression and  this fact made him nationalize the oil that was own by American firms  (which he perceived as foreign economic aggression that only made his citizens poorer) and used the revenue to rebuild the country. It is mainly due to this fact that he became unpopular with the US.