Venezuela and the United States on the Threshold of the Cold War

This book offers a vivid account of how Venezuela and the United States reshaped their diplomatic, economic, and security ties between 1945 and 1948, a period that marked Venezuela’s first real attempt at modern democracy. Set against the backdrop of the post–World War II world and the emerging Cold War, it shows how global shifts influenced local politics and vice versa.

Drawing on rich archival research from both countries, Tarver and Soto Oráa trace how the new Venezuelan government, the Junta Revolucionaria de Gobierno, secured international recognition, negotiated with U.S. officials and oil companies, and oversaw a surge of foreign investment and military cooperation. The authors revisit key debates about democracy, political upheaval, and foreign involvement, highlighting how party rivalries, labor movements, and the landmark 1943 Hydrocarbons Law converged with U.S. strategic priorities under Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. The result is a clear and compelling narrative of how questions of sovereignty, oil, and ideology shaped a turning point in Venezuela’s history and in inter-American relations.