Tóm tắt

This well-documented monograph supports the premise that the colonial powers including the Netherlands were not realistic, pragmatic, or overly concerned about the effect of the economic and political policies imposed on the colonies. The study further substantiates the well-known character of Antonio Guzmán Blanco as an opportunist, egotist, caudillo par excellence, yet illustrates his political acumen in solving enough problems to control Venezuelan affairs for a quarter century. Because of the “narrow focus” of this monograph only a few scholars will find the study of value. This reviewer regrets that the author did not expand the study to include additional information on (1) the economic relationship between Venezuela, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, (2) the influence of the powerful Dutch, Venezuelan, perhaps British and American merchants on the economic and political association between the two antagonists, and (3) the developing nationalism in Venezuela with the emerging political awareness of Dutch colonials.