March Revolution (Venezuela)

March Revolution
Part of the Venezuelan civil wars and the Venezuelan coups d'etat
Map of Venezuela after 1840
Date 1–15 March 1858 Location Venezuela Result Rebel victory End of the liberal government of Monagas. Beginning of the conservative government of Castro. Later Federal War.
Belligerents
Conservative rebels	Liberal Government
Commanders and leaders
Julián Castro José Laurencio Silva León de Febres-Cordero	José Tadeo Monagas José Gregorio Monagas Carlo Castelli
Strength
10.000 soldiers[1]	10.000 soldiers[2]

The March Revolution was a military uprising that took place in Venezuela in March 1858. It was the first armed rebellion that managed to overthrow a government in Venezuelan history. The principal leader, the caudillo Julián Castro, was trusted absolutely by President José Tadeo Monagas.

The main drivers of the movement were the social issues and political abuse which had accumulated during the Monagato or Liberal Oligarchy – a decade in which the brothers José Tadeo Monagas and José Gregorio Monagas ruled (1847–1858). Additionally, this period featured political sectarianism, high corruption, mismanagement of public finances and the central government's lack of concern with the provinces. The consequences were extreme political violence and great social chaos. Similar events had occurred in 1848, 1849, 1853 and 1856.