José Antonio Páez, The Peasant Who Became President (José Antonio Páez, El Peón Que Se Volvió Presidente)

Though controversial, it would be plausible to say that Venezuela has always had controversial leaders, with some bringing glory to the nation, and others bringing sorrow and pain. In the case of José Antonio Páez, both things were simultaneously true, and this strongman and farmer-turned-soldier is an often discussed individual in the history not only of Venezuela, but all nations belonging to "La Gran Colombia" (Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela). Famously credited for one of the m...