René Barrientos, Bolivian soldier, pilot, and politician, 55th President of Bolivia (b. 1919)

René Barrientos Ortuño, born on May 30, 1919, emerged as a pivotal, albeit controversial, figure in 20th-century Bolivian politics. A decorated military officer, his career trajectory ultimately led him to the highest office, fundamentally shaping a tumultuous period in the nation's history until his untimely death on April 27, 1969. His rise to power underscored the complex interplay between military influence and political leadership that characterized Bolivia during the Cold War era.

The Path to Presidency: The 1964 Coup

Barrientos first entered the national political spotlight as the 30th Vice President of Bolivia in 1964, serving alongside President Víctor Paz Estenssoro. However, this period of civilian-military collaboration was short-lived. Later that same year, on November 4, 1964, General Barrientos spearheaded a military coup d'état that dramatically overthrew the long-standing government of the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR) led by Paz Estenssoro. This coup marked a significant turning point, ending a twelve-year period of revolutionary rule and ushering in an era of military dominance in Bolivian governance. The coup was largely fueled by growing discontent within the military and parts of the civilian population regarding Paz Estenssoro's attempts to amend the constitution to secure a fourth presidential term, perceived by many as an authoritarian drift.

Navigating Power: The First Term (1964-1966)

Following the successful coup, Barrientos initially governed as part of a military junta. His first nonconsecutive term as the 47th President of Bolivia formally began in 1964. However, his rule was not immediately singular. From 1965 to 1966, he engaged in a unique power-sharing arrangement, serving as co-president with General Alfredo Ovando Candía. This transitional period aimed to stabilize the country after the political upheaval and prepare for a return to constitutional order, albeit one heavily influenced by the military.

A Return to Constitutional Rule and Firm Control (1966-1969)

Barrientos solidified his grip on power through popular elections, becoming the constitutional president once again in 1966, marking the start of his second nonconsecutive term which lasted until 1969. During this three-year period, his administration was characterized by a concerted effort to modernize the armed forces and an economic policy that sought to attract foreign investment, particularly in mining and agriculture, often aligning with the principles of the U.S. "Alliance for Progress."

Crucially, Barrientos also focused on building a base of support among the rural population through initiatives like the "Pacto Militar-Campesino" (Military-Peasant Pact), which provided some social benefits and infrastructure in exchange for political loyalty, thereby attempting to neutralize traditional leftist peasant organizing.

However, this period was also marked by significant repression of political opposition, particularly from leftist and labor movements. Barrientos's government, with the active support of the Bolivian army, brutally suppressed dissent. The most internationally renowned episode of this crackdown occurred in 1967 when his regime confronted and ultimately crushed a rural guerrilla insurgency led by the iconic revolutionary figure Che Guevara. Guevara's capture and execution by Bolivian forces, supported by the CIA, became a landmark event of the Cold War, solidifying Barrientos's image as a staunch anti-communist leader in the eyes of many. Other instances of severe repression, such as the San Juan Massacre of miners in 1967, also cast a shadow over his rule, highlighting the authoritarian nature of his government despite its constitutional facade.

The End of an Era: Barrientos's Death

René Barrientos Ortuño's presidency came to an abrupt and controversial end on April 27, 1969, when he died in a helicopter crash near Arque, Cochabamba. While officially attributed to an accident, the circumstances surrounding his death have fueled persistent speculation and conspiracy theories, with many believing it was not merely an unfortunate mishap but an act of sabotage, given the volatile political climate and the numerous enemies he had made during his time in power. His death plunged Bolivia into further political uncertainty.

Legacy

Barrientos's legacy in Bolivia remains complex and divisive. To his supporters, he was a nationalist who brought order and attempted to modernize the country, protecting it from what he perceived as communist threats. To his detractors, he was an authoritarian figure who relied on military force and repression to maintain power, responsible for significant human rights abuses. Regardless of the perspective, his tenure was undeniably a pivotal chapter in Bolivian history, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was René Barrientos Ortuño's role in Bolivian history?
René Barrientos Ortuño was a prominent Bolivian military officer and politician who twice served as the 47th President of Bolivia (1964-1966 and 1966-1969). He significantly influenced the country's political direction during a turbulent period, transitioning Bolivia from a revolutionary civilian government to military-dominated rule.
How did Barrientos initially come to power?
He first became Vice President in 1964. However, he seized power later that year by leading a military coup d'état on November 4, 1964, which overthrew the government of President Víctor Paz Estenssoro.
What was his relationship with Che Guevara?
René Barrientos's government was directly responsible for confronting and ultimately defeating the guerrilla movement led by the Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara in Bolivia in 1967. Barrientos saw Guevara's insurgency as a foreign-backed communist threat, and his military, with support from the United States, played a key role in Guevara's capture and execution.
What characterized his presidency?
His rule was marked by a blend of economic development initiatives, often aligned with U.S. aid programs like the "Alliance for Progress," and a strategic effort to build support among the rural population through the "Pacto Militar-Campesino." However, it was also characterized by strong anti-leftist policies and the suppression of political opposition, including labor unions and student movements, leading to significant human rights concerns.
How did René Barrientos die?
René Barrientos died on April 27, 1969, in a helicopter crash near Arque, Cochabamba, while on a political visit. While officially declared an accident, the circumstances have historically been subject to much speculation, with theories of sabotage often surfacing due to the politically charged environment of the time.
What is René Barrientos's legacy in Bolivia?
His legacy is complex and polarizing. Some view him as a modernizing leader who brought stability and fought communism, while others criticize him for his authoritarian methods, political repression, and human rights abuses. He remains a central figure in discussions about Bolivia's political and military history.