Bolivia adds to its coup list, but South America is no stranger to coups and coup attempts

South America has experienced numerous coups and coup attempts throughout its modern history. These events often stem from deep-rooted issues such as economic instability, social inequality and political corruption. During the 20th century, countries like Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru witnessed military coups that led to the establishment of authoritarian regimes.

For instance, the 1973 coup in Chile ousted President Salvador Allende and brought General Augusto Pinochet to power marking a period of severe repression and human rights abuses. Similarly, Argentina endured a brutal military dictatorship following the 1976 coup. These coups have left lasting legacies often resulting in periods of transitional justice as nations seek to reconcile and rebuild democratic institutions. More recently, Venezuela’s ongoing political crisis has been marked by repeated coup attempts and deepening divisions. The history of coups in South America highlights the complex interplay between military and civilian powers and the ongoing struggle for stable and inclusive governance.

Here’s a list of some notable coups and coup attempts in various South American countries:

Argentina

1943 coup: This coup ousted President Ramon Castillo, ending the “Infamous Decade.” The military intervention aimed to prevent Castillo from rigging elections and ultimately led to the rise of Juan Domingo Peron.

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1955 Revolucion Libertadora: Aimed at overthrowing President Juan Domingo Peron, this coup was driven by dissatisfaction with Peron’s increasingly authoritarian rule and economic difficulties. It led to a period of military and civilian governments alternating in power.

1962 coup: The military deposed President Arturo Frondisi after his controversial decision to allow Peronist candidates in the elections. This led to a power struggle and political instability in the country.

1966 coup: President Arturo Umberto Illia was overthrown by the military, leading to the establishment of the “Argentine Revolution,” a period marked by attempts to modernise and stabilise the economy but also characterised by political repression.

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1976 coup: This coup ousted President Isabel Peron, marking the start of the National Reorganisation Process, a brutal military dictatorship known for human rights abuses and the “Dirty War” against political dissidents.

Bolivia

2024 coup: Bolivian President Luis Arce struck down a short-lived attempted coup against his government, after calling on the public to “organise and mobilise” in defence of democracy. Heavily armed troops, commanded by the country’s former top army General Juan José Zuniga barged into the government palace in an attempt to topple the country’s left-wing government.

1964 coup: General René Barrientos and General Alfredo Ovando Candia led a coup against President Víctor Paz Estenssoro. This marked the beginning of a period of military rule, characterised by frequent changes in leadership.

1971 coup: Led by Colonel Hugo Banzer, this coup ousted President Juan José Torres. Banzer’s regime was marked by repression and human rights abuses, but also by efforts to stabilise the economy.

1980 coup: General Luis García Meza Tejada overthrew interim President Lidia Gueiler Tejada. His regime was notorious for human rights violations, drug trafficking, and corruption, leading to international condemnation.

Brazil

1964 coup: The military overthrew President João Goulart amid fears of communist influence. This ushered in a military dictatorship that lasted until 1985, characterised by censorship, political repression, and economic development initiatives.

Chile

1924 coup: A military junta forced President Arturo Alessandri to resign, initiating a period of military influence in politics. Alessandri was later recalled to draft a new constitution that aimed to stabilise the country.

1973 coup: General Augusto Pinochet led a coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende, resulting in a military dictatorship that lasted until 1990. The regime was marked by severe human rights abuses and economic reforms.

Colombia

1953 coup: General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla overthrew President Laureano Gomez, promising to restore order and address social issues. His regime saw infrastructure development but was marred by increasing authoritarianism, leading to his ousting in 1957.

Ecuador

1963 coup: A military junta ousted President Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy, citing his left-leaning policies and perceived instability. The junta ruled until 1966, focusing on conservative economic policies.

1972 coup: General Guillermo Rodríguez Lara overthrew President José María Velasco Ibarra, aiming to implement populist and nationalist policies. His regime focused on exploiting oil resources but faced economic challenges.

2000 coup: A coalition of military officers and indigenous groups ousted President Jamil Mahuad due to economic crises and political corruption. Vice President Gustavo Noboa succeeded him, aiming to restore stability.

Paraguay

1954 coup: General Alfredo Stroessner overthrew President Federico Chavez, establishing a dictatorship that lasted until 1989. Stroessner’s rule was marked by political repression, economic development and anti-communism.

1989 coup: General Andres Rodríguez led a coup that ended Alfredo Stroessner’s long dictatorship. This event marked the beginning of Paraguay’s transition to democracy.

Peru

1962 coup: The military ousted President Manuel Prado, citing electoral fraud concerns. A military junta took over, organising new elections and eventually transferring power to a civilian government in 1963.

1968 coup: General Juan Velasco Alvarado overthrew President Fernando Belaúnde Terry initiating a regime that focused on agrarian reform and nationalisation of key industries. His populist policies faced economic difficulties and led to his ousting in 1975.

1992 Autogolpe: President Alberto Fujimori dissolved Congress and assumed dictatorial powers citing the need to fight corruption and insurgency. His self-coup was followed by significant political and economic reforms as well as human rights abuses.

7 December 2022: Ahead of an impeachment vote by Congress, President Pedro Castillo tried to dissolve the government and seize power. The attempt ended with his ouster and arrest.

Uruguay

1973 coup: President Juan María Bordaberry with military support dissolved Parliament and established a civilian-military dictatorship. This period was marked by repression and a crackdown on leftist guerrillas until the return to democracy in 1985.

Venezuela

1945 coup: The “October Revolution” led by a civilian-military alliance ousted President Isaías Medina Angarita aiming to establish a democratic government. This led to the election of Rómulo Betancourt and a period of political reforms.

1948 coup: Military leaders overthrew President Rómulo Gallegos, leading to a decade of military rule under Marcos Pérez Jiménez, characterised by economic development and political repression.

1992 coup attempts: Two failed coup attempts led by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chavez against President Carlos Andres Perez were driven by economic dissatisfaction and corruption. These attempts elevated Chavez’s profile leading to his eventual election as president in 1998.