Salud pública e inestabilidad política en Venezuela durante los gobiernos de Guzmán Blanco, 1870-1888

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze how during Guzman Blanco governmental periods epidemic cycles generated a sense of distrust and political instability. The misinterpretation form governmental authorities lead to think that oppositionists promoted the closure of ports, a halt on exchange and limitations to the access to economic resources coming from foreign trade with the purpose of obtain political benefits. To avoid oppositionists politically use epidemics cycles, governmental action were addressed to prevent rumors and to put down any political action related to this matter. Guzman government also efficiently carried out an information policy from consular offices aimed to take advantage from up-to-date information with respect to vessels movements and their internal health situation. Moreover, a set of highly effective national and international preventative measure were adopted in order to control and manage epidemic cycles.