Bolivian Popular Revolt 1946

With the decline of mineral prices, inflation, and unemployment at the end of the war, Bolivia suffered severe economic hardship. President Gualberto Villarroel López had been unable to organize popular support and faced opposition from conservative groups and increasing political terrorism that included murders of the government's opponents. Rivalry between the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario -- MNR) and the military in the governing coalition also contributed to his downfall. A popular revolt against the government at La Paz took place on July 17-21, 1946. Mobs of soldiers, students, teachers, and workers seized arms from the arsenal and moved to the presidential palace. The army did nothing to check rebels. Villarroel was captured and shot; his body was hung from a lamppost in the main square in front of the presidential palace. A provisional liberal government was installed and recognized by the United States and Argentina.

References

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

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