Historical Events tagged with "bolivia"

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.

Politics & Government

Evo Morales Resigns Amid Protests and Military Pressure

November 10th, 2019 5 years ago

Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, announced his resignation following 19 days of intense civil protests ignited by accusations of electoral fraud during the October elections. These protests were marked by widespread unrest and demands for fair governance. The military's recommendation for Morales to step down further intensified the pressure on his administration. His exit marked a significant shift in Bolivia's political landscape.

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Crime & Law

Violence Erupts at Palmasola Prison in Bolivia

August 23rd, 2013 11 years ago

A riot at the Palmasola prison complex in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, resulted in the deaths of 31 inmates. The violence erupted over overcrowding and inhumane living conditions within the facility. As tensions escalated, armed clashes broke out among rival gangs, leading to a chaotic scene that prompted intervention from security forces. The situation highlighted significant issues within Bolivia's penal system and garnered international attention regarding prisoner rights and the treatment of inmates in overcrowded facilities.

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Politics & Government

Evo Morales Becomes First Indigenous President of Bolivia

January 22nd, 2006 19 years ago

Evo Morales was inaugurated as Bolivia's first indigenous president, symbolizing a significant moment for the country's indigenous population. His election reflected the growing political power of indigenous communities and marked a shift in Bolivia's political landscape. Morales's administration promised to address longstanding social injustices and focus on national resource control.

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Politics & Government

Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada Resigns Amid Gas Conflict

October 18th, 2003 21 years ago

Amid widespread protests against gas exports, Bolivian President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada resigns and flees the country. The conflict, fueled by public opposition to privatization and foreign control of natural resources, leads to significant political upheaval. Demonstrations escalate, resulting in violence and fatalities, forcing the president to abandon his position and leave Bolivia in search of safety.

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Politics & Government

Luis García Meza Sentenced for Crimes

April 21st, 1993 31 years ago

Former dictator Luis García Meza was sentenced to 30 years in jail without parole. The Supreme Court in La Paz, Bolivia, found him guilty of multiple serious crimes, including murder, theft, fraud, and violation of the constitution. This landmark decision was significant in holding authoritarian leaders accountable for their actions during their regimes.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Villa Tunari Massacre of Coca Farmers

June 27th, 1988 36 years ago

In Villa Tunari, Bolivia, anti-narcotics police clashed with protesting coca-growing peasants, resulting in the deaths of nine to twelve individuals and injuries to over a hundred others. Farmer protests erupted as government forces moved against coca cultivation, straining local tensions. The violence highlighted the ongoing struggle between coca producers and anti-drug policies enforced by the Bolivian state.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Eastern Air Lines Flight 980 crashes in Bolivia

January 1st, 1985 40 years ago

Eastern Air Lines Flight 980, a scheduled flight from Asunción, Paraguay, to Miami, Florida, crashed into Mount Illimani in Bolivia, killing all 29 people aboard. The plane encountered severe weather conditions as it was approaching the capital of La Paz. Despite the crew's efforts to navigate safely, they inadvertently flew into the mountain's side, resulting in a catastrophic accident. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of flying in mountainous regions and the need for improved navigation technology.

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Politics & Government

Colonel Alberto Natusch's Coup in Bolivia

November 1st, 1979 45 years ago

Colonel Alberto Natusch orchestrated a coup in Bolivia against the democratically elected government of President Wálter Guevara. This violent takeover involved military forces and led to significant civil unrest. The coup resulted from political tensions and dissatisfaction with Guevara's administration, particularly regarding economic challenges and perceived governance failures. As troop movements occurred in La Paz, resistance arose from various police and military factions loyal to Guevara, which heightened the conflict across the nation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano Boeing 707 Crash

October 13th, 1976 48 years ago

A Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano Boeing 707 crashed shortly after takeoff from El Trompillo Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, resulting in the loss of 91 lives. The aircraft encountered issues shortly after departure, leading to its tragic descent. The flight was scheduled to head towards its destination when the disaster struck, leaving an indelible mark on civil aviation safety standards in Bolivia.

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