After foreign military intervention, presidential elections were held in the Dominican Republic in 1966, in which Joaquín Balaguer was elected president. His government, although democratically elected, was marked by political repression, corruption and the violation of human rights, which generated criticism and protests from the opposition and civil society.
The Dominican Revolution of 1965 left a contradictory legacy in the country's history, marking the end of an era of dictatorship and repression, but also the beginning of a period of foreign intervention and political conflict. Although the popular revolt failed to achieve all of its objectives, it laid the foundations for the gradual return of democracy in the Dominican Republic and the strengthening of civil society and social movements in the country.
The Argentine Revolution of 1966
The Argentine Revolution of 1966 was a significant political event in the history of Argentina, leading to the overthrow of the democratically elected president, Arturo Illia, and the establishment of a military government headed by General Juan Carlos Onganía. This revolution took place in a context of growing political instability, economic crisis and social conflicts in the country, and marked the beginning of a period of authoritarian rule in Argentina that lasted almost a decade.
In the early 1960s, Argentina was experiencing a series of economic and political challenges, including inflation, economic stagnation, and political polarization. President Arturo Illia of the Radical Party had taken office in 1963 amid an economic and social crisis, hoping to implement reformist policies to address the country's problems.
However, Illia's government faced a series of obstacles and criticism, both from the political opposition and from conservative sectors and the military who considered his policies to be too moderate or ineffective in addressing the country's problems. Furthermore, political polarization and social unrest were on the rise, with labor conflicts, student protests, and tensions between political factions further complicating the situation.
In this context of political and social crisis, rumors arose of a possible coup d'état by military sectors dissatisfied with the Illia government and its handling of the situation. These rumors were fueled by the growing influence of far-right groups and conservative sectors that saw Illia's government as a threat to their interests and the established order.
On June 28, 1966, President Illia was overthrown in a military coup led by General Juan Carlos Onganía, who assumed control of the country and dissolved the National Congress and democratic institutions. The revolution was received with a mix of support and opposition in Argentina, with some sectors supporting military intervention as a way to restore order and stability in the country, while others condemned it as an act of violence and undemocratic.
Onganía's government established an authoritarian military regime in Argentina, known as the "Argentine Revolution", which was characterized by political repression, media censorship, persecution of political opponents, and the implementation of conservative economic and social policies. .
One of the first measures taken by the Onganía government was the repression of the political opposition and social movements, with the arrest and persecution of union, political and student leaders who opposed the regime. Press censorship was imposed and political and union activities were prohibited, leading to a climate of fear and repression in the country.
In addition to political repression, Onganía's government implemented a series of economic and social measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and modernizing the country. These measures included economic liberalization, opening to foreign investment and the promotion of industrial and agricultural development policies.
However, these policies failed to solve the country's economic and social problems and, in many cases, exacerbated inequality and poverty. Inflation continued to be a serious problem, while unemployment and social inequality increased, generating discontent and protests in society.
The Argentine Revolution of 1966 marked the beginning of a period of authoritarian rule in Argentina that lasted almost a decade, with successive military governments ruling the country with an iron fist and repressing any form of political or social opposition. However, it also laid the foundation for the resurgence of the democratic movement and the fight for human rights in Argentina, which would eventually lead to the return of democracy in the country in the 1980s.
The French May Revolution of 1968
The French May Revolution of 1968 was a social and political phenomenon that shook France and had a lasting impact on French society and politics, as well as global thought and culture. This protest movement, characterized by mass strikes, factory and university occupations, and street demonstrations, challenged the established order and questioned the power structures in France, especially the government of President Charles de Gaulle and his conservative regime.
The French May 1968 had its roots in a series of tensions and conflicts that were brewing in French society in the 1960s. Despite the apparent political and economic stability of the country, there were deep social and political divisions, as well as growing discontent among young people, workers and other sectors of the population.
The international context also influenced the emergence of French May. The 1960s were a time of social upheaval and change around the world, with national liberation movements, student protests, and civil rights struggles emerging in many countries. In France, these events inspired a generation of young people to question existing social and political norms and demand radical change in society.
The immediate trigger for French May was a series of student protests that began at Nanterre University in March 1968. Students, influenced by left-wing political ideas and international protest movements, organized to demand reforms in education, as well as as changes in society and government.
These student protests intensified in May 1968, when thousands of students took to the streets of Paris to protest against the government's educational policies and to demand more democratic freedoms and civil rights. The student demonstrations were met with violence by the police, generating outrage and solidarity among other sectors of French society.
The student movement soon spread beyond university campuses and attracted the support of workers, unions, intellectuals, artists and other social groups. Mass strikes were organized in factories and businesses across the country, paralyzing the economy and challenging the power of the government and employers.
One of the most significant characteristics of the French May was the occupation of factories and universities by workers and students. These occupations not only served as a form of protest and resistance, but also created alternative spaces for debate, participation and political action, where ideas about society and the future of France were discussed and debated.
Street demonstrations also played a crucial role in French May, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets of Paris and other cities to express their solidarity with the student movement and demand changes in society and government. These demonstrations were mostly peaceful, but often ended in clashes with police and street violence.
The government of President Charles de Gaulle was surprised and overwhelmed by the magnitude and intensity of the protest movement. De Gaulle, who had been a dominant figure in French politics since the end of World War II, now faced an existential challenge to his authority and the stability of his regime.
In an attempt to contain the crisis, de Gaulle dissolved the National Assembly and called new elections in June 1968. However, this failed to calm tensions and discontent in French society, and protests and strikes continued for weeks. .
The turning point in French May came at the end of May, when millions of workers participated in a general strike that paralyzed the French economy and left the country on the brink of chaos. Negotiations between the government, unions and student leaders resulted in a series of agreements and concessions, including wage increases and labor reforms.
On May 30, de Gaulle announced his intention to dissolve the government and call early elections. However, instead of waiting for the elections, thousands of people took to the streets of Paris to celebrate what they considered a victory for the protest movement.
The French May 1968 had a lasting impact on French society and politics, as well as global thought and culture. Although he did not manage to overthrow de Gaulle's government or radically transform French society, he did manage to open a space for debate and political action that inspired a generation of activists and social movements around the world.
The Carnation Revolution of 1974
The Carnation Revolution, also known as the April Revolution, was a historic event that took place in Portugal in April 1974 and marked the end of almost five decades of authoritarian dictatorship in the country. This revolution was a peaceful movement led by mid-ranking military personnel who opposed the authoritarian regime and sought to restore democracy and civil liberties in Portugal. The Carnation Revolution not only profoundly transformed Portuguese politics and society, but also had a significant impact on the history of Europe and the process of decolonization in Africa.
To understand the context of the Carnation Revolution, it is necessary to go back to the 1920s, when Portugal fell into a military dictatorship led by António de Oliveira Salazar. Salazar established an authoritarian regime known as the Estado Novo, which was characterized by political repression, media censorship, lack of civil liberties, and a state-run economy.
For decades, the Estado Novo maintained an iron grip on Portuguese society, stifling any form of political opposition and keeping Portugal isolated from the political and social changes taking place in Europe and the rest of the world. However, as the 1960s progressed, tensions and discontent began to arise within Portuguese society, especially among young people, intellectuals, and the most marginalized sectors of the population.
In this context of growing social and political unrest, a group of middle officers of the Portuguese Army, dissatisfied with the authoritarian regime and the colonial war that Portugal was waging in Africa, began to plot to overthrow the Salazar government and restore democracy in the country. country. These officers, known as the "Captains of April", planned a peaceful coup to take place on April 25, 1974.
The coup d'état, which became known as the Carnation Revolution, was a meticulously planned and executed operation by the Captains of April, who managed to take control of the main strategic points of Lisbon and other important cities without bloodshed. The Portuguese population, tired of decades of repression and authoritarianism, received the blow with enthusiasm and support, and thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the end of the Salazar regime and demand democratic reforms.
One of the most notable aspects of the Carnation Revolution was its peaceful nature and its spirit of unity and solidarity between the military, the civilian population and the various political and social groups in the country. Unlike other military coups d'état, which are often marked by violence and repression, the Carnation Revolution took place without major incident and laid the foundations for a peaceful transition to democracy in Portugal.
Following the success of the coup d'état, the Captains of April formed a provisional government, known as the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), which pledged to restore civil liberties, establish a democratic system, and end the colonial war in Africa. One of the first measures taken by the new government was the release of political prisoners and the abolition of press censorship, which allowed greater freedom of expression and political openness in the country.
Furthermore, the provisional government undertook to carry out a series of political, economic and social reforms aimed at modernizing Portugal and improving the living conditions of its population. These reforms included the nationalization of key sectors of the economy, such as banking and industry, agrarian reform to redistribute land to peasants, and the decentralization of power to strengthen local democracy.
One of the provisional government's main priorities was to end the colonial war in Africa, which had been a constant source of conflict and tension in Portugal and had depleted the country's resources. Before long, the new government began peace negotiations with the liberation movements in the Portuguese colonies of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, with the aim of ending the war and granting independence to these nations.
The process of decolonization in Africa was a crucial aspect of the Carnation Revolution and reflected the commitment of the new Portuguese government to the principles of equality, justice and self-determination of peoples. Although the decolonization process was not without difficulties and conflicts, and Portugal faced criticism for its management of the transition, the Carnation Revolution laid the foundations for a new relationship between Portugal and its former colonies, based on mutual respect and cooperation. cooperation.
The Carnation Revolution also had a significant impact on long-term Portuguese politics and society. In addition to establishing the foundations for a pluralistic democracy and a more open political system in Portugal, the revolution also inspired social and political movements in other European countries and around the world, and became a symbol of resistance and struggle for freedom. and justice.
The Indonesian Revolution of 1998
