April 19 is an important date in the history of Venezuela. That day in the year 1810 marked the beginning of important changes in the political, social and economic system of Venezuela.

Signed in Caracas, the Act of April 19 deposed the governor and captain general Vicente Emparan and other Spanish officials. That is how the establishment of a new government started.

This date is known as the day of proclamation of independence since it began the separation from Spain. Key parts of the process that led to the Venezuelan declaration of independence in July of 1811 began due to the events of April 19. This includes the first Congress of Venezuela, formed on March 2, 1811 which was responsible for discussing, voting and officially the Act of Independence on July 7, 1811.

The events in Venezuela on April 19, 1810 did not only change the history of Venezuela. It also lead other nations in the American continent to follow the example that Caracas gave. You can read the Act of April 19 in Spanish here.