David Toro

Quick Facts: Who was David Toro?

Subject:

David Toro

Known for:

Bolivian military officer and politician who served as the 35th president of Bolivia (1936-1937).

Born:

1898-06-24

Died:

1977-07-25

Century / Era:

1898s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

José David Toro Ruilova (24 June 1898 – 25 July 1977) was a Bolivian military officer and politician who served as the 35th president of Bolivia from 1936 to 1937. He previously served as minister of development and minister of government in 1930. Toro pursued military service in the Armed Forces and stood out for both his tactical skill and shrewd political instincts. He served as minister under Hernando Siles and led the cabinet as the sole executive authority after Siles resigned in a bid to extend his term. Toro and the other ministers were overthrown shortly thereafter in the 1930 coup.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was forced into exile. He spent a stint as military attaché in Argentina but returned to the general staff during the Chaco War. Toro's decision-making during the conflict, which Bolivia lost, generated controversy. In 1936, a coup d'état in La Paz installed Toro as president of a government junta. He presided over an experimental period of military socialism in Bolivia that introduced moderate socialist reforms.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Toro instituted YPFB as the state-owned petroleum enterprise, established a state monopoly on the sale of hydrocarbons, and nationalized the holdings of Standard Oil in 1937. Toro's regime drew support from members of the veterans' movement. In 1937, dissatisfied with the slow pace of reforms, Toro was forced to resign in a soft coup. He became a close associate of General Hans Kundt and President Hernando Siles. Installed in the Palacio Quemado, Toro immediately faced a number of pressing crises, not least of which were a massive federal deficit stemming from the war and continued economic dislocation associated with the ongoing Great Depression.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1898 (1898-06-24): Birth of David Toro — Bolivian military officer and politician who served as the 35th president of Bolivia (1936-1937).
2. 1930: 1930 Milestone — He previously served as minister of development and minister of government in 1930.
3. 1936: 1936 Milestone — In 1936, a coup d'état in La Paz installed Toro as president of a government junta.
4. 1937: 1937 Milestone — Toro instituted YPFB as the state-owned petroleum enterprise, established a state monopoly on the sale of hydrocarbons, and nationalized the holdings of Standard Oil in 1937.
5. 1977 (1977-07-25): Passing & Historical Legacy — David Toro passed away on 1977-07-25, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: David Toro

True or False: “Toro's nationalization of Standard Oil holdings in 1937 was an event that occurred before the larger Mexican oil expropriation under Lázaro Cárdenas.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states his nationalization pre-empted the larger Mexican oil expropriation by a year, meaning it happened *before* Cárdenas's action.

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• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• June 24 (06-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 24
• 1977 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1977
• July 25 (07-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 25

Frequently Asked Questions about David Toro