In a recent referendum called by the government of President Nicolás Maduro to claim sovereignty over an oil- and mineral-rich area of neighboring Guyana, Venezuelans have voted in favor of action that could spark a so-called oil war. While it remains unclear how Maduro will enforce the results of the vote, an oil war would be disastrous for both countries. But what exactly is an oil war, and what are its consequences?
Click through and find out what history has taught us about fighting for this vital commodity.