La Violencia
A decade-long wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia (1948–1958).
Quick Facts: Who was La Violencia?
- Subject:
- La Violencia
- Known for:
- A decade-long wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia (1948–1958).
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
La Violencia (Spanish pronunciation: [la βjoˈlensja], The Violence) was a ten-year wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia from 1948 to 1958, between the Colombian Conservative Party and the Colombian Liberal Party, mainly fought in the countryside. La Violencia is considered to have begun with the assassination on 9 April 1948 of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, a Liberal Party presidential candidate and frontrunner for the 1949 November election. His murder provoked the Bogotazo rioting, which lasted ten hours and resulted in around 5,000 casualties. An alternative historiography proposes the Conservative Party's return to power following the election of 1946 to be the cause. Rural town police and political leaders encouraged Conservative-supporting peasants to seize the agricultural lands of Liberal-supporting peasants, which provoked peasant-to-peasant violence throughout Colombia.
Career & Major Achievements
La Violencia is estimated to have killed at least 200,000 people, almost 1 in 50 Colombians. The La Violencia conflict took place between the Military Forces of Colombia and the National Police of Colombia supported by Colombian Conservative Party paramilitary groups on one side, and paramilitary and guerrilla groups aligned with the Colombian Liberal Party and the Colombian Communist Party on the other side. The conflict caused millions of people to abandon their homes and property. Media and news services failed to cover events accurately for fear of revenge attacks. The lack of public order and civil authority prevented victims from laying charges against perpetrators.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Documented evidence from these years is rare and fragmented. The majority of the population at the time was Catholic. During the conflict there were press reports that Catholic Church authorities supported the Conservative Party. Several priests were accused of openly encouraging the murder of the political opposition during Catholic mass, including the Santa Rosa de Osos Bishop Miguel Ángel Builes, although this is unproven. No formal charges were ever presented and no official statements were made by the Holy See or the Board of Bishops.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
- 1946: 1946 Milestone — An alternative historiography proposes the Conservative Party's return to power following the election of 1946 to be the cause.
- 1948: 1948 Milestone — La Violencia (Spanish pronunciation: [la βjoˈlensja], The Violence) was a ten-year wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia from 1948 to 1958, between the Colombian Conservative Party and the Colombian Liberal Party, mainly fought in the countryside.
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: La Violencia
True or False: “The primary catalyst for La Violencia was the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán on April 9, 1948.”
Answer (TRUE ⭕): While other tensions existed, the murder of the popular Liberal candidate Gaitán triggered the immediate and widespread violence known as the Bogotazo.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- A. Wyatt Tilby — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): British author, journalist, and traveler known for his writings on history and philosophy.
- Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Historical peer (Died in 1948) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
- Abhijeet Bhattacharya — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Veteran Indian playback singer known for Hindi, Bengali, and diverse regional music.
- Alec Baldwin — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
- Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
- Alan García — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Controversial Peruvian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Peru.
- Adam Michnik — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
- Ahmad Zahir — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer, dubbed the "Elvis of Afghanistan".
Frequently Asked Questions about La Violencia
Who was La Violencia and what are their primary contributions?
A decade-long wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia (1948–1958). Origins & Early Life: La Violencia (Spanish pronunciation: [la βjoˈlensja], The Violence) was a ten-year wave of civil conflict and unrest in Colombia from 1948 to 1958, between the Colombian Conservative Party and the Colombian Liberal Party, mainly fought in the countryside. La Violencia is considered to have begun with the assassination on 9 April 1948 of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, a Liberal Party presidential candidate and frontrunner for the 1949 November election. His murder provoked the Bogotazo rioting, which lasted ten hours and resulted in around 5,000 casualties. An alternative historiography proposes the Conservative Party's return to power following the election of 1946 to be the cause. Rural town police and political leaders encouraged Conservative-supporting peasants to seize the agricultural lands of Liberal-supporting peasants, which provoked peasant-to-peasant violence throughout Colombia.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on La Violencia?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia