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Period: to
"Guerra de los Mil Días"
One of the most devastating wars in Colombian history at social, political, and economic levels. Began in Santander, then expanded to the whole country.
Causes
The rivalities and conflicts of liberals and conservatives, mainly because of the disagreement to the Regeneration policy, supported by the liberals
Actors
* Liberals, with traditionalist and militaristic branches
* Conservatives, divided into historical and nationalist
* Miguel Sanclemente, represented the National Party -
Independence of Panamá
Was started by the Panama Canal Company, a French-U.S. corporation that hoped to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with a waterway across Panama. Seeing that the Colombian senate refused, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt gave tacit approval to a rebellion by Panamanian nationalists. To aid the rebels, the U.S.-administered railroad in Panama removed its trains from the northern terminus of Colón, thus stranding Colombian troops sent to crush the insurrection. -
Banana Massacre
The killing of United Fruit Company (UFC) workers in Ciénaga, Magdalena.
Causes
The UFC workers made many strikes for better working conditions. Instead of helping, the UFC sent the Army to repress the workers, leading to this violent act. The exact number of victims is still unknown.
Actors
* UFC: ordered the massacre
* Carlos Cortés Vargas: commanded the Army
* Jorge Eliecer Gaitán: reported to the congress
* Miguel Abadía: current president
Effects
Conservatives lost power. -
Period: to
"La Violencia" Period
A period characterized by extremely violent confrontations between conservatives and liberals, even without being declared war.
Causes
* Dipossession and concentration between few people on land
* Political Intolerance between the 2 parties
* Legitimity loss between population
* High repression
* Religious persecution
Actors
* Liberals
* Conservatives
* Mariano Ospina Pérez
* Laureano Gómez
* Gustavo Rojas Pinilla
* Alberto Lleras Camargo
Effects
Arrangement of the National Front -
The "Bogotazo"
A massive outbreak of rioting after the assassination of Liberal leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán during the government of Mariano Ospina Pérez.
Causes
Gaitán gained popularity in events like the Banana Massacre. His murder was considered an offense.
Events
People instantly related the murder to the Conservative Party and President Ospina, so they attacked the "Casa de Nariño" and soon the violence expanded.
Effects
Deaths of 600-3000 people, with 450 more hospitalized with injuries. -
Period: to
Cuban Revolution
Armed uprising in Cuba that overthrew the government of Fulgencio Batista.
Causes
* Corruption
* Political Instability
* Social inequality
* Frequent US intervention
Events
Fidel Castro was constantly looking for ways to attack the dictatorship. After being exiled, he and his brother returned to Cube to organize a military coup.
Effects
Castro's government began a program of nationalization, centralization of the press, and political consolidation. Influenced FARC, EPL, and ELN. -
Period: to
National Front
A period in which Liberals and Conservatives, agreed to rotate power, intercalating for four presidential terms, in the hope of bringing some peace.
Causes
A lot of tension because of the "La Violencia" period.
Events
A referendum was made on December 1, 1957, in which citizens approved the National Front. It ended due to the lack of 3rd parties participation.
Effects
Reduced the irrational polarization of traditional party members, but contributed to the Armed Conflict -
Period: to
Nicaraguan Revolution
Was the opposition to the Somoza dictatorship.
Causes
The Somoza family was administering Nicaragua's resources as if they were their own patrimony, without doing anything for the nation. People wanted a new system based on human rights, and economic development with social justice.
Events
The Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) overthrew the Somozas after lots of strikes and riots.
Effects
Influenced the creation of the M-19, MAQL, and PRT. -
Period: to
Drug trafficking
Colombia dominated cocaine trade in the USA.
Causes
Ought in the USA grew and a business opportunity arose during the Armed Conflict.
Events
50 mill. ton of cocaine shipped to the USA for 22 mill. buyers.
Actors
* Medellin Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar
* Cali Cartel, led by Rodríguez Orjuela brothers
Effects
Pablo Escobar declared war on the government via terrorist acts, and the Cali Cartel used selective violence along with blackmailing and corruption to sustain its business.