General Manuel A. Odría Assumes Presidency Following Coup in 1948

On October 29, 1948, General Manuel A. Odría executed a military coup in Peru, seizing power and establishing a regime that would be known as the Ochenio. His presidency was characterized by a complex blend of populist policies aimed at winning the support of the poor and lower classes, while simultaneously imposing severe restrictions on civil rights. Odría's government took a hard stance against the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), which momentarily pleased the oligarchy and right-wing factions. The economic conditions during his rule were relatively favorable, allowing Odría to implement expensive social programs that resonated with the masses. However, his administration was also marred by rampant corruption, undermining the legitimacy of his populist initiatives. The Ochenio remains a significant period in Peruvian history, illustrating the tensions between authoritarian governance and populist appeal, as well as the challenges of addressing social inequality amidst political repression.