He's one of the most compelling leaders of the 21rst century.<br/> <br />Charismatic and controversial, Venezuelans voted him president four times.<br/> <br />Hugo Chavez burst onto the national stage as a paratrooper who led a daring coup against then president President Carlos Perez.<br/> <br />The coup was a failure and he spent time in prison, Chavez rose to assume Venezuela's highest office in 1998. It would be a first glimpse at the resilience that would become one of his most defining characteristics. demonstrating the sort of resilience that would be a recurring theme throughout his life.<br/> <br />Politically, he was a socialist. In office, he nationalized major sections of the economy. While his critics accused of him of squandering the country's oil related wealth. His populist message resonated with many of the country's poor.<br/> <br />Their loyalty to him would play a critical role when he was overthrown by a coup during his first term. Within 48 hours, his supporters and his former s
