Historical Events tagged with "asuncion"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

Massive Supermarket Fire in Asunción, Paraguay

August 1st, 2004 20 years ago

A devastating fire broke out in a supermarket in Asunción, resulting in 396 deaths and injuries to 500 others. The blaze occurred during a busy shopping day and trapped many customers inside. Emergency services faced challenges in controlling the fire, exacerbated by the store's design. Victims were mostly shoppers and employees, and the tragedy highlighted severe safety and regulatory failures in public buildings.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Vice President Luis María Argaña

March 23rd, 1999 25 years ago

Luis María Argaña, Paraguay's Vice President, was assassinated in a drive-by shooting. The attack occurred in Asunción, Paraguay, escalating political tensions in the country. His assassination shocked the nation and was part of a series of violent political events affecting Paraguay's governance during this period. Argaña had been a prominent figure in Paraguayan politics, increasing concerns about instability.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Ends Alfredo Stroessner's Regime

February 3rd, 1989 36 years ago

Alfredo Stroessner, the long-time dictator of Paraguay, was overthrown by a military coup that marked the end of his 35-year rule. The coup was initiated by discontent within the military and the public against Stroessner's authoritarian regime, which was characterized by human rights abuses and corruption. The coup was led by General Andrés Rodríguez, who had previously been a loyal supporter of Stroessner, leading to surprise among many. The military took control of key government buildings and announced the new leadership within hours, bringing an immediate change in political direction and promising a transition to democracy.

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Politics & Government

Alfredo Stroessner's Dictatorship in Paraguay Begins

August 15th, 1954 70 years ago

Alfredo Stroessner seized power in Paraguay through a military coup, establishing a dictatorship that would last for several decades. Capitalizing on political instability, Stroessner led a successful coup against President Federico Chávez, taking control of the government and initiating a regime characterized by repression, censorship, and political terror. His regime was noted for promoting infrastructure development while stifling dissent, and it formed alliances with the United States amid the Cold War.

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Politics & Government

Actions Against Spanish Governance in Paraguay

May 14th, 1811 213 years ago

Pedro Juan Caballero, Fulgencio Yegros, and José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia conspired to overthrow the Spanish governor, showcasing early independence efforts. Their collective actions marked a pivotal moment for Paraguay’s quest for autonomy, igniting fervor among locals eager for self-governance against colonial rule.

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Politics & Government

Foundation of Asunción in Paraguay

August 15th, 1537 487 years ago

Asunción was founded by Spanish explorer Juan de Salazar y Espinosa in response to Spanish colonial expansion in South America. Located on the banks of the Paraguay River, it became a key settlement for the Spanish as they sought to establish control over the region. The city, with its strategic position, served both as a fortification against indigenous groups and as a base for further exploration and conquest in the interior of the continent. Asunción subsequently grew into an important cultural and economic center.

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