The Bolivian Revolution 1952

The social unrest that resulted from the economic decline in Bolivia increased during the last weeks before the revolution of 1952, when a hunger march through La Paz attracted most sectors of society. The military was severely demoralized, and the high command called unsuccessfully for unity in the armed forces; many officers assigned themselves abroad, charged each other with coup attempts, or deserted.

By the beginning of 1952, the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario -- MNR) again tried to gain power by force, plotting with General Antonio Seleme, the junta member in control of internal administration and the National Police (Policía Nacional). On April 9, the MNR launched the rebellion, under the leadership of Hernán Siles Zuazo, in La Paz by seizing arsenals and distributing arms to civilians. Armed miners marched on La Paz and blocked troops on their way to reinforce the city. After three days of fighting, the desertion of Seleme, and the loss of 600 lives, the army completely surrendered on April 11, 1952

The MNR recalled Paz Estenssoro from exile to take the presidency; he assumed the presidency on April 16, 1952. As president he did what he said he would do: nationalized the tin-mining industry, raised miners' wages, liquidated the vast holdings of powerful landholders, and distributed acres to landless Indians. Universal suffrage was granted, but Paz Estenssoro was ruthless to his political foes, many of whom he imprisoned. In one of Latin America's major revolutions, Bolivia had "suddenly broken loose from the chains of serfdom," and its people, especially the Indians, had gained civil and political rights which subsequent governments would have to recognize.

References

Dictionary of Wars, 64; Military History, 1464; Bolivia - A Country Study.

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