In the fall of 1945, political discontent rose sharply in Venezuela under the administration of President Isaías Medina Angarita. Amid increasing economic challenges and public dissatisfaction, several officers within the Venezuelan Armed Forces conspired to stage a coup. This group was led by notable military figures Mario Vargas, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, and Carlos Delgado Chalbaud. Exploiting the prevailing unrest and a power vacuum, they aimed to replace Medina Angarita's administration with a military government that would stabilize the nation.

On that fateful day, the conspirators executed their plan with precision, launching an offensive against government installations. The President, who was caught off guard, faced significant opposition from the military faction. The coup was executed swiftly, and by the end of the day, Medina Angarita found himself ousted from the presidency, leading to his eventual exile. The coup was met with mixed reactions, as some citizens welcomed the change, hoping for a more decisive leadership amid their grievances.

Following the takeover, Marcos Pérez Jiménez established a dictatorship that would last for several years. This period in Venezuelan history marked a transition from democratic governance toward authoritarian rule, profoundly impacting the country's political trajectories and setting the stage for future conflicts and changes in leadership. The military's role in politics was solidified as a lasting determinant of Venezuelan governance, influencing patterns of authority and civilian military relations well into the later half of the 20th century.