original_query: What were the reasons behind the naval blockade imposed on Venezuela in 1902-1903?
query: What were the reasons behind the naval blockade imposed on Venezuela in 1902-1903?
answer: The naval blockade of Venezuela in 1902-1903 was primarily due to President Cipriano Castro's refusal to pay foreign debts owed to Great Britain, Germany, and Italy, and for damages suffered by their citizens during Venezuelan civil wars.  Further fueling the blockade was Castro's seizure of a British ship and failure to respond to diplomatic requests.