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The Bolivian National Revolution

1952–1964AmericasPolitical and social

A revolt that brought universal suffrage, land reform and the nationalisation of the tin mines to Bolivia.

Background

Bolivia's economy depended on tin controlled by a few large owners, while the Indigenous majority had little political voice. Defeat in the Chaco War against Paraguay in the 1930s discredited the old elites and encouraged new movements.

Course of events

The Revolutionary Nationalist Movement, or MNR, won elections in 1951 but was blocked from power. In April 1952 miners, workers and police rose in La Paz and brought the MNR and Víctor Paz Estenssoro to government. The new government introduced universal suffrage, nationalised the largest tin mines and issued a land reform decree in 1953.

Legacy

Indigenous peasants gained political rights and land, though the state struggled economically. The MNR government was overthrown by a military coup in 1964.

Further reading: The Bolivian National Revolution on Wikipedia. This page is a short summary for general readers; dates and figures can vary between sources.