Treaty of Coche

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The Treaty of Coche ended Venezuela’s four-year Federal War (1859–1863). It was agreed at the Coche estate near Caracas. The initial agreement was signed on 23 April 1863 between the Conservative Government, led by Pedro José Rojas, and the Liberal Federalists, led by Antonio Guzmán Blanco (with leaders José Antonio Páez and Juan Crisóstomo Falcón backing them). It was confirmed on 25 May 1863 by Páez and Falcón.

The war had devastated the country, with about 150,000 people dead and many cities ruined. The treaty called for definitive peace and the creation of a National Assembly of 80 members, half elected by Páez (the Supreme Chief of the Republic) and half by Falcón (the Provisional President of the Federation). It also required Páez to resign to facilitate the transition to a new government. The name “Coche” comes from the estate where the agreement was made.