nazi efforts to increase their influence in venezuela, and thus access venezuelan oil, date back to 1933, when arnold margerie formed the venezuelan regional group of the nazi party, or "grupo regional de venezuela del partido nazi". after that, the germans began "courting" the venezuelan military through its military mission. on the "cultural front," according to leonard, general wilhelm von faupel, head of the ibero-american institute, attempted to gain influence by sending his wife, edith, to venezuela to "extol the virtues of fascism." germany was also active in countering american economic influence, by expanding its holdings in mining, agriculture, and railroading.