The 1936 Bolivian coup d'état, also known as the Socialist Revolution of 1936, was a civil-military coup in Bolivia that deposed President José Luis Tejada Sorzano, bringing an end to traditional political order and bringing forward the period of Military Socialism in the country. On 17 May 1936, following the largest strike movement known until then in Bolivia, the military under the young lieutenant colonel Germán Busch overthrew the government of Tejada. Busch held the reins of government until 22 May when Colonel David Toro arrived from the Chaco and assumed the presidency under a military junta supported by the army, organized labor, and the United Socialist Party.
Political background
The Chaco War (1932–1935) came to an end on 14 June 1935. The conclusion of the conflict was overseen by President José Luis Tejada Sorzano. He had been the vice president of Daniel Salamanca who in November 1934 was deposed by the military after having been in frequent conflict with the high command since the beginning of the war. Wishing to maintain democratic appearances, the army allowed Vice President Tejada Sorzano to assume the presidency.
Bolivia's disastrous defeat in the Chaco War had the immediate effect of plunging the nation into turmoil. The traditional political class which had ruled the country for half a century, and which Tejada Sorzano was a part of, saw its support evaporate as veterans returned to civilian life seeking a change in the status quo. Tejada Sorzano faced discontent from both the military and the civilian populace as well rapidly rising inflation as a result of the Chaco War and the Great Depression.
Gridlock in government
The inability of the traditional parties to deal with the rising political tensions has been attributed to their failure to coalesce in the face of the rapidly unifying social movements. The main point of contention blocking a coalition were disputes over leadership. President Salamanca had been a member of the Genuine Republican Party (PRG) but his vice president José Luis Tejada Sorzano was a member of the Liberal Party (PL). Elections had been held in 1934 which the PRG candidate Franz Tamayo won but, given the coup which occurred the same month, the results were annulled. Because of this, the PRG continued to push for Tamayo to be accepted while the Liberals wished to keep Tejada Sorzano as president. The third faction, the Socialist Republican Party (PRS) played the PRG and PL off of one another, maintaining the political gridlock.
Upheaval in the military
The military found itself dealing with internal conflict of its own. The senior officer class, discredited by failed tactics during the Chaco War, was forced to step aside in favor of the young officers led by the immensely popular lieutenant colonel Germán Busch. While Busch was a competent military man, his lack of political ability led him and the young officers around him to accept the more politically tactful Colonel David Toro as the leader of their movement. The result of all this was a leftward shift in military command which was far more sympathetic to the emerging social movement in the country.
Labor unions strike
Among the biggest concerns for the government was the return of organized labor. The labor movement was bolstered by discontent with the spiralling economy and the return of union organizers, soon surpassing their 1932 peak of influence. Beginning in 1935, workers strikes were organized, led by the two major labor unions, the Federation of Workers of Labor (FOT) and the Local Workers Federation (FOL). In response to rising prices in November, the FOT made a call for 100% wage increases for workers and a reduction in rental prices and consumer goods. This set in motion a chain of strikes across the country sending it into crisis.
Crisis and coup
Measures enacted by the government amounted to the "single exchange decree" which devalued the Boliviano and served only to exacerbate the situation. Finally, the FOT, led by labor activist Waldo Álvarez, sent an ultimatum to the government demanding free importation of basic necessities, the 100% increase in wages, the reduction of rent, the prohibition of work night, the suspension of the state of siege, guarantees for freedom of assembly, association, press and union organization, home for the maimed and disabled of war, and work for ex-combatants.