VII. The Contemporary Period, 1945–2000 > D. Latin America, 1945–2000 > 2. South America, 1945–2000 > h. Colombia > 1953, June 14
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1953, June 14
 
GEN. GUSTAVO ROJAS PINILLA (1900–75) seized power, ousting Pres. Gómez. He escalated political violence, using conservative vigilante gangs to wreak terror on former and current opponents.  1
 
1955, April
 
The regime declared the Sumapaz region a war zone, sending in major military formations to stamp out opposition.  2
 
1957
 
Women were granted the vote.  3
 
May 8
 
Despite a constitutional provision against reelection, Gen. Rojas Pinilla was reelected by 76 members of the legislative assembly meeting under military control.  4
 
May 9
 
The Roman Catholic Church accused the Rojas regime of murder in its suppression of student riots. On May 10, Rojas resigned before the completion of his first term, and a military junta took control.  5
 
July 26
 
Amid popular demonstrations, the ruling military junta dissolved the constituent assembly and announced presidential and congressional elections for May 4, 1958.  6
 
Dec. 1
 
Colombians voted to amend their 1866 constitution to provide for joint rule by Conservatives and Liberals for 16 years.  7
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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