General Rene Barrientos Ortuño staged a military coup in Bolivia

In 1964, General Rene Barrientos Ortuño staged a military coup in Bolivia, overthrowing the government and establishing a military regime. Barrientos, supported by conservative groups and the United States, accused the government of President Victor Paz Estenssoro of being too sympathetic to communism, leading to widespread unrest and political instability in the country. Under Barrientos' rule, repression of political dissent increased, and human rights abuses became rampant. The military became deeply involved in governing the country, with Barrientos consolidating power and suppressing opposition. Despite facing internal and external criticism, he managed to stay in power until his death in a helicopter crash in 1969. The military regime established by Barrientos significantly impacted Bolivia's political landscape, setting a precedent for military involvement in governance that would continue for years to come. The coup marked a turning point in the country's history, leading to a period of authoritarian rule and political turmoil. #Bolivia #MilitaryCoup #Authoritarianism