Hugo Chavez through the years
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez during his military years. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/6c/af563e68be9c0407a6a8891488187/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez during his military years. IMAGE (Venezuelan Ministry of Information and Communication)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez at Yare Prison. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/43/9cfeaaa99155534bf758f6f2339356/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez at Yare Prison. IMAGE (Venezuelan Ministry of Information and Communication)")
![Hugo Chavez: Army Lieutenant Colonel Chavez following his release from prison. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/0b/66b55ca24f85786895d1e6cee79bb/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Army Lieutenant Colonel Chavez following his release from prison. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Bertrand Parres)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez and Fidel Castro embrace. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/31/e388c5c557c443971f1c73abdcafd/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez and Fidel Castro embrace. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Adalberto Roque)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez is elected president. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/87/f65fa13825a4fbee8e606e9395849e/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez is elected president. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Bertrand Parres)")
![Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president walks among troops. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/36/7e89927865cc4642b7bddf47ffca/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president walks among troops. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Howard Yanez)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez celebrates a political accomplishment. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/30/3cf5128cc6c87cbde862667ebc277/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez celebrates a political accomplishment. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Yuri Cortez)")
![Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president waves during a ceremony. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/53/b78991afe33b85a79fcb3d97765f/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president waves during a ceremony. IMAGE (AP Photo: Ariana Cubillos )")
![Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president talks to supporters. IMAGES]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/96/e5ccdef695f396566718f2849d63d/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president talks to supporters. IMAGES (Getty Images: AFP: Leo Ramirez)")
![Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president holds his daughters. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/4b/5487041e1766a8313d0a6a07c56/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president holds his daughters. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Juan Barreto)")
![Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president kisses his country's flag. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/1a/7b3b8f32a6f6c22cc428f9b56f4d9/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: The Venezuelan president kisses his country's flag. IMAGE (Getty Images: AFP: Juan Barreto)")
![Hugo Chavez: President Chavez welcomes Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/18/132bdd9bdd0781d1d3eaee3199ce/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: President Chavez welcomes Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. IMAGE (AP Photo: Miraflores Presidential Office )")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez is greeted by supporters. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/06/5fc43dcd348b8501329bd69932a/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez is greeted by supporters. IMAGE (AP Photo: Miraflores Presidential Office )")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez speaks during a campaign rally. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/a1/a07169d3fe462e04cf33ba741ab5c/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez speaks during a campaign rally. IMAGE (AP Photo: Rodrigo Abd)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez waves to supporters. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/47/e81db53a5359b6e927090696718ce/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez waves to supporters. IMAGE (AP Photo: Fernando Llano)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez celebrates Independence Day with his family. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/e8/616384e55dfa7829c1a783261db82e/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez celebrates Independence Day with his family. IMAGE (Rex Features: File )")
![Hugo Chavez death: Chavez campaigns in 2012. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/a0/3e4021de5be643eb3bad123599eeb0/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: Chavez campaigns in 2012. IMAGE (Rex Features: File )")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez and his daughters after a cancer-related operation. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/bd/50a0dede27ac51d2157ab3ba3147e/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez and his daughters after a cancer-related operation. IMAGE (Miraflores Presidential Press Office)")
![Hugo Chavez: A woman kisses a photo of Chavez in support of him. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/bf/7e8dd9525292f07a53c05f833d58bf/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: A woman kisses a photo of Chavez in support of him. IMAGE (Reuters: Carlos Garcia )")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters cheer. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/fc/56e8ba66ae6aa27a9633a13c6c0bc/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters cheer. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva )")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters cheer his return. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/78/2d858d7b8c4c191c4465358f999/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters cheer his return. IMAGE (AP Photo: Fernando Llano)")
![Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters wish him good health. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/66/aae7f85c4175e971898fc1b5ed11/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez: Chavez supporters wish him good health. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva)")
![Hugo Chavez death: A woman reads near a wall covered in Hugo Chavez poster. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/9f/e387a8bdcbc30f3781c89ce6775e9/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: A woman reads near a wall covered in Hugo Chavez poster. IMAGE (AP Photo: Ariana Cubillos)")
![Hugo Chavez death: People pray for Hugo Chavez. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/3f/b3c7e5f1ee72a7518ad91ad127c79/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: People pray for Hugo Chavez. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva)")
![Hugo Chavez death: A man sells Hugo Chavez paintings. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/dc/35664d96496a215efba2456053da6c/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: A man sells Hugo Chavez paintings. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva )")
![Hugo Chavez death: Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro speaks. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/a4/d99fe1dec1718652daa9371499f53/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro speaks. IMAGE (Reuters: Handout)")
![Hugo Chavez death: Supporters react to Chavez's death. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/a0/1eddaa85c64fb6a4df7314f965c831/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: Supporters react to Chavez's death. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva)")
![Hugo Chavez death: People mourn Hugo Chavez's death. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/81/c7c8b1d7f35b4eb3d76983a9fd9685/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: People mourn Hugo Chavez's death. IMAGE (Reuters: Jorge Silva)")
![Hugo Chavez death: A woman cries after hearing the news of Chavez's death. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/22/a2f8c5a778f9cc636c84a595beddc1/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: A woman cries after hearing the news of Chavez's death. IMAGE (AP Photo: Ariana Cubillos )")
![Hugo Chavez death: Mourners take to the streets after learning of Chavez's death. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/67/fdc2581b2839d6a9acf73e45f13a/_h353_w628_m6_ofalse_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez death: Mourners take to the streets after learning of Chavez's death. IMAGE (AP Photo: Ariana Cubillos )")
![Hugo Chavez dies: The Venezuelan vice president confirmed Chavez died Tuesday. IMAGE]({"default":{"load":"wait","src":"http://newsbcpcol.stb.s-msn.com/amnews/i/37/f0eadffc3b4b7c58e4cf2cd0cd16c/_h86_w115_m6_utrue_otrue_lfalse.jpg"}} "Hugo Chavez dies: The Venezuelan vice president confirmed Chavez died Tuesday. IMAGE (Rex Features)")
Chavez campaigns for second term
A look back at Hugo Chavez's political and military career. See gallery
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during a campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2003.
Chavez during his army years
Chavez is pictured during his army years.
Chavez at Yare Prison
Chavez in his cell during his time at Yare Prison from 1992-94.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Chavez after jail
Army Lieutenant Colonel Chavez, who headed the 1992 attempted coup to overthrow Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez, talks to reporters on March 26, 1994, after being freed from Yare Prison. Chavez was freed after charges were dropped against him for leading the first of two attempted coups against the government of Perez, who was later removed from office.
Chavez and Fidel Castro embrace
Cuban President Fidel Castro, right, greets retired Venezuelan military officer Chavez upon his arrival at Jose Marti Airport in Havana on Dec. 13, 1994. Chavez, the director of the political organization "Bolivar Revolution 200," was one of the leaders of the bloody 1992 military coup to overthrow President Perez in Venezuela.
Newly elected President Chavez with his wife
Newly elected Venezuelan President Chavez and his wife, Marisabel Rodriguez de Chavez, wave to supporters as he arrives on Feb. 4, 1999, to preside over a parade in his honor after being elected president.
Chavez walks among troops
The president of Venezuela passes soldiers outside of the Museo Historico Militar in Caracas on Feb. 4, 2002.
Chavez celebrates a political accomplishment
Chavez celebrates his victory from the balcony of the presidential palace on Feb. 15, 2009, in a referendum on constitutional changes that would allow him to seek re-election without limits.
Chavez before a back-to-school ceremony
Chavez waves before a ceremony marking the start of the school year in Naiguata, Venezuela, on Sept. 16, 2009.
Chavez talks to supporters
Chavez talks to supporters during a military ceremony at the National Army Academy in Caracas on Nov. 6, 2011.
Chavez holds his daughters
President Chavez embraces his daughters Maria, left, and Rosa at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on July 4, 2011.
Chavez kisses a Venezuelan flag
Chavez kisses a Venezuelan flag at the Miraflores Palace on July 4, 2011.
Chavez welcomes Ahmadinejad
Chavez welcomes Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad upon his arrival at Miraflores Palace on Jan. 9, 2012.
Chavez is greeted by supporters
Chavez is greeted by supporters in Caracas on his way to the airport to travel to Cuba on Feb. 24, 2012.
Venezuelan President Chavez
In pouring rain, President Chavez delivers a speech to supporters during his closing campaign rally in Caracas.
Chavez waves to supporters
Chavez holds up flowers thrown by supporters during his caravan from Miraflores Palace to the airport in Caracas on Feb. 24, 2012.
Chavez celebrates Independence Day
Chavez celebrates Independence Day at the National Assembly in Caracas on July 5, 2012.
Chavez at 2012 campaign event
Chavez attends a campaign event in Portuguesa, Venezuela, on Sept. 24, 2012. He famously rambled on in television broadcasts that mixed serious affairs of state with songs, anecdotes, quirky behavior and other strange antics.
Chavez after a cancer-related operation
Chavez poses for a photo with his daughters, Maria Gabriela, left, and Rosa Virginia at an unknown location in Havana, Cuba, on Feb. 14, 2013.
A supporter kisses Chavez's photo
A supporter of the Venezuela's president kisses a picture of him as she takes part in a gathering at Plaza Bolivar in Caracas on Feb. 18, 2013.
People cheer Chavez's surprise return from Cuba
Chavez made a surprise return from Cuba on Feb. 18, 2013, more than two months after surgery for cancer that jeopardized his 14-year rule of Venezuela.
Chavez supporters cheer his return from Cuba
Chavez returned to Venezuela Feb. 18, 2013, after more than two months of treatment in Cuba following cancer surgery, his government said, triggering street celebrations by supporters who welcomed him home. He remained out of sight at the Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital in Caracas, where he would continue his treatment.
Supporters rally for Chavez's health
People hold candles during a prayer ceremony for the health of the Venezuelan president in Caracas on Feb. 22, 2013.
A woman reads by a wall in Venezuela
A woman reads a newspaper as she stands by a wall covered with posters showing Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez pictured with his daughters Maria Gabriela, and Rosa Virginia, outside the military hospital in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday.
People pray for their leader's health
Supporters of Chavez pray in a chapel outside the Caracas military hospital. The charismatic leader had many supporters, who saw him as a revolutionary legend the likes of Che Guevara.
A man sells Hugo Chavez paintings
Painter Felix Rodriguez prepares paintings of Chavez for sale in Caracas. Chavez often gave speeches beneath a painting of Simon Bolivar, who led much of South America to independence.
Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro speaks
Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro, second right, alleged on Tuesday that Chavez was infected with cancer by "imperialist" enemies, adding that the socialist leader was suffering his hardest moments since an operation three months ago. Maduro's accusations and somber prognosis came during a televised meeting of political and military leaders at the presidential palace amid speculation of an imminent end to Chavez's 14-year rule.
Bikers' reactions
Chavez supporters react to the announcement of his death. Supporters would carry posters and wear masks of his eyes, chanting, "I am Chavez." Even though cancer took him out of the spotlight for long stretches of time, Chavez's image appeared on buildings and billboards throughout Venezuela.
People mourn Hugo Chavez's death
Supporters mourn Chavez's death. Chavez captivated his base by championing the plight of the poor in his country. "This is the path: the hard, long path, filled with doubts, filled with errors, filled with bitterness, but this is the path," he said in 2011. "The path is this: socialism."
Chavez supporter cries
A Chavez supporter cries as she learns that the Venezuelan leader has died. Chavez invested the country's oil wealth into social programs like state-run food markets, cash benefits for poor families, free health clinics and education programs.
Mourners in the streets
Mourners take to the streets after learning of Chavez's death. Chavez often spoke of plans for communes and an egalitarian society, even as his government seized companies and farmland.
