Bolivia

By bry205
  • Jan 1, 1538

    Spanish conquer Bolivia, which becomes part of the Vice-royalty of Peru.

    Spanish conquer Bolivia, which becomes part of the Vice-royalty of Peru.

  • Bolivia becomes independent with Simon Bolivar as its president.

    Bolivia becomes independent with Simon Bolivar as its president.

  • Bolivia becomes landlocked after losing mineral-rich, coastal territory in the Atacama to Chile.

    Bolivia becomes landlocked after losing mineral-rich, coastal territory in the Atacama to Chile.

  • Military coups

    Peasants and miners overthrow military regime; Victor Paz Estenssoro returns from exile to become president and introduces social and economic reforms, including universal suffrage, nationalisation of tin mines and land redistribution, and improves education and the status of indigenous peoples.

  • Military coups

    Vice-President Rene Barrientos stages military coup.

  • Military coups

    General Luis Garcia stages coup after inconclusive elections; US and European countries suspend aid in view of allegations of corruption and drug trafficking.

  • Leftist Jaime Paz Zamora becomes president and enters power-sharing pact with former dictator Hugo Banzer.

    Leftist Jaime Paz Zamora becomes president and enters power-sharing pact with former dictator Hugo Banzer.

  • Some 4 million acres of rainforest allocated to indigenous peoples.

    Some 4 million acres of rainforest allocated to indigenous peoples.

  • natural gas export deal with Argentina

    President Mesa signs natural gas export deal with Argentina. Opponents say deal pre-empts referendum on gas exports planned for July. Protesters take to streets, demand president's resignation.

  • Socialists in power

    Socialist leader Evo Morales wins presidential elections. He becomes the first indigenous Bolivian to take office.

  • Bolivia stops US drug enforcement agency from operating in the country.

    Bolivia stops US drug enforcement agency from operating in the country.

  • Bolivia temporarily leaves UN Conventions

    Bolivia temporarily leaves UN Conventions on Narcotics in protest against classification of coca as an illegal drug, signs agreement with US and Brazil to help reduce the production of illegal cocaine.