| | | | |
| | | The diverse civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica included the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. | |
| | | | |
| | 1498 | Christopher Columbus landed in Venezuela | |
| | | | |
| | 1535 | The Spanish conquistadors start to colonize the area of Venezuela | |
| | | | |
| | 1528 | 1528-1546 The King of Spain ( Charles I ) leased Venezuela to a German banking group to pay off his debts | |
| | | | |
| | 1550 | African slaves were shipped to Venezuela to work on various plantations | |
| | | | |
| | 1700s | Spain combined Venezuela with neighbouring territories into one large colony called the Viceroyalty of New Granada The Viceroyalty of New Granada consisted of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama Venezuelan General Francisco Gabriel de Miranda (1750-1816) participated in major political events for over three decades | |
| | | | |
| | 1810 | The king of Spain overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte The territories of the Viceroyalty of New Granada set up their own independent governments | |
| | | | |
| | 1811 | 5 July: Venezuela declares its independence from Spain | |
| | | | |
| | 1812 | Simon Bolivar and other revolutionary leaders fled abroad | |
| | | | |
| | 1814 | Spain sends troops to South America to quell the uprising of the colonists | |
| | | | |
| | 1819 | General Simon Bolivar defeats royalist forces in the Battle of Boyaca on August 7 Republic of Colombia (also known as Gran Colombia) is proclaimed on December 17, consisting of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador | |
| | | | |
| | 1821 | Spain recognizes Venezuela's independence after Simon Bolivar wins a major victory against Spanish troops at Carabobo Simon Bolivar established Gran Colombia and becomes the first president | |
| | | | |
| | 1830 | Ecuador and Venezuela leave Gran Colombia to became totally independent | |
| | | | |
| | 1831 | General Jose Antonio Paez becomes the first president of Venezuela | |
| | | | |
| | 1800s | Venezuela torn by civil war | |
| | | | |
| | 1870 | 1870-1888 Guzman Blanco rules Venezuela bringing the civil wars to an end | |
| | | | |
| | 1908 | 1908-1935 Gomez rules Venezuela with strong military backing | |
| | | | |
| | 1950 | Marcos Perez Jimenez becomes dictator | |
| | | | |
| | 1958 | Jimenez was forced into exile leading to the Venezuelan democracy | |
| | | | |
| | 1999 | Venezuela adopted its current constitution | |
| | | | |