Timeline of Bolivia

Chronology

25 events spanning the history of Bolivia. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1538

   Spanish conquer Bolivia

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

2. 1825

   Bolivia becomes independent with Simon Bolivar as its president.

   Bolivia becomes independent with Simon Bolivar as its president.

3. 1879 – 1984

   Bolivia becomes landlocked.

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

4. 1903

   Bolivia loses the rubber-rich province of Acre to Brazil.

   Bolivia loses the rubber-rich province of Acre to Brazi.

5. 1920

   Rebellion by indigenous peoples.

   Rebellion by indigenous peoples.

6. 1932 – 1935

   Bolivia loses territory to Paraguay after it is defeated in the Chaco War.

   Bolivia loses territory to Paraguay after it is defeated in the Chaco War.

7. 1952

   Peasants and miners overthrow military regime

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

8. 1964

   Vice-President Rene Barrientos stages military coup

   Vice-President Rene Barrientos stages military coup.

9. 1967

   US helps suppress peasant uprising led by Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

   US helps suppress peasant uprising led by Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who is killed after being betrayed by peasants.

10. 1969

    Vice-President Siles Salinas replaces Barrientos who is killed in plane crash.

    Vice-President Siles Salinas replaces Barrientos who is killed in plane crash, but Salinas is himself deposed by the army, which rules with increased severity.