The Silence and the Scorpion

On April 11, 2002, nearly a million Venezuelans marched on the presidential palace to demand the resignation of President Hugo Chávez. Led by Pedro Carmona and Carlos Ortega, the opposition represented a cross-section of society furious with Chávez's economic policies, specifically his mishandling of the Venezuelan oil industry. But as the day progressed, the march turned violent, sparking a military revolt that led to the temporary ousting of Chávez. Over the ensuing, turbulent 72 hours, Venezuelans would confront the deep divisions within their society and ultimately decide the best course for their country--and its oil--in the new century.--From publisher description.