Vicente Emparán, the Governor of the Captaincy General of Venezuela, was removed from power by the people of Caracas in a decisive popular uprising. Discontent with Spanish colonial rule had been brewing among the local population, driven by increasing economic hardships and the influence of revolutionary ideas from Europe and North America. On the morning of 19 April, tensions boiled over as citizens gathered in the Plaza Mayor, demanding the removal of Emparán. Amid growing pressure, he eventually resigned, and a governing junta was formed, marking the beginning of self-rule in Venezuela.

The junta established represented a coalition of various factions, including Creole elites who sought greater autonomy from the Spanish crown. This shift was a critical moment in the Venezuelan struggle for independence, as it signaled a rejection of colonial authority. The new government began to implement reforms, galvanizing support among different sectors of society. The call for independence became more pronounced, ultimately leading to the broader movement for liberation from Spanish rule.

As this local government convened, it initiated a series of political engagements with various groups and jurisdictions within Venezuela, emphasizing a collective identity distinct from Spanish influence. The event laid the groundwork for future conflicts as it spurred other regions in Latin America to pursue similar paths towards independence, marking a significant turning point in the continent's political landscape.