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Latinamerica@war #11
The 1989 Coup d'Étát in Paraguay: The End of a Long Dictatorship, 1954-1989
This political and military history of Paraguay chronicles the dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner from 1954 to the coup that overthrew him in 1989.
1989 was a crucial year for Paraguay. After thirty-five years of dictatorship, General Alfredo Stroessner was overthrown by a coup d'�tat. In this sweeping historical study, Paraguayan historian Antonio Luis Sapienza chronicles Stroessner's rise to power during the coup of 1954; his long tenure maintained through fraudulent elections, military alliances, a right-wing political party, and assistance from the United States; and his eventual downfall.
While in power, Stroessner launched major development projects, improving roads, water and sewage facilities, and an airline. At the same time, abuse of human rights and oppression of political opposition became the norm. Dozens of political prisoners were tortured and even executed, and thousands driven into exile.
Like most dictators, Stroessner oversaw major expansions of the military and police. Nevertheless, it was Paraguay's armed forces, led by General Andres Rodriguez, that brought a violent end to his rule. Sapienza provides a detailed analysis of the coup that sent Stroessner into exile in Brazil.
Extensively illustrated with photographs and maps, The 1989 Coup d'etat in Paraguay is a unique study of an important episode in Latin American history.
1989 was a crucial year for Paraguay. After thirty-five years of dictatorship, General Alfredo Stroessner was overthrown by a coup d'�tat. In this sweeping historical study, Paraguayan historian Antonio Luis Sapienza chronicles Stroessner's rise to power during the coup of 1954; his long tenure maintained through fraudulent elections, military alliances, a right-wing political party, and assistance from the United States; and his eventual downfall.
While in power, Stroessner launched major development projects, improving roads, water and sewage facilities, and an airline. At the same time, abuse of human rights and oppression of political opposition became the norm. Dozens of political prisoners were tortured and even executed, and thousands driven into exile.
Like most dictators, Stroessner oversaw major expansions of the military and police. Nevertheless, it was Paraguay's armed forces, led by General Andres Rodriguez, that brought a violent end to his rule. Sapienza provides a detailed analysis of the coup that sent Stroessner into exile in Brazil.
Extensively illustrated with photographs and maps, The 1989 Coup d'etat in Paraguay is a unique study of an important episode in Latin American history.
- GenresNonfiction
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 5, 2025
Este libro tiene muchos detalles sobre la dimensión militar del derrocamiento de Stroessner y da una reconstrucción de los movimientos tácticos y la secuencia de decisiones que definieron la caída del régimen.
Lo que me hace un poco de ruido es que el libro presenta un sesgo evidente en el prefacio y en la contextualización histórica. Se tiende a minimizar el régimen al reducir la figura de Stroessner a una serie de "defectos", contrapesados con menciones a logros en 35 años de gobierno. Entiendo que el objetivo del libro no es evaluar el aparato represivo ni explorar el impacto social, pero creo que es necesaria cierta ética a la hora de escribir sobre la dictadura. La insistencia en referirse a Stroessner como presidente o general, aunque parezca un detalle mínimo, puede introducir una lectura que desdibuje el carácter represivo del régimen. Recién en la conclusión aparece un reconocimiento más claro de que se trató de una dictadura. Esta simplificación también se ve en algunas figuras del golpe.
Siento que estas características limitan la profundidad del análisis y pueden desorientar a los que no estén familiarizados con la historia paraguaya. Creo que el libro podría ser una fuente accesible (el libro es muy corto y los datos están ordenados correctamente) para introducirse a la dinámica militar del golpe, siempre que se lo lea con una mirada crítica respecto a su marco interpretativo.
Lo que me hace un poco de ruido es que el libro presenta un sesgo evidente en el prefacio y en la contextualización histórica. Se tiende a minimizar el régimen al reducir la figura de Stroessner a una serie de "defectos", contrapesados con menciones a logros en 35 años de gobierno. Entiendo que el objetivo del libro no es evaluar el aparato represivo ni explorar el impacto social, pero creo que es necesaria cierta ética a la hora de escribir sobre la dictadura. La insistencia en referirse a Stroessner como presidente o general, aunque parezca un detalle mínimo, puede introducir una lectura que desdibuje el carácter represivo del régimen. Recién en la conclusión aparece un reconocimiento más claro de que se trató de una dictadura. Esta simplificación también se ve en algunas figuras del golpe.
Siento que estas características limitan la profundidad del análisis y pueden desorientar a los que no estén familiarizados con la historia paraguaya. Creo que el libro podría ser una fuente accesible (el libro es muy corto y los datos están ordenados correctamente) para introducirse a la dinámica militar del golpe, siempre que se lo lea con una mirada crítica respecto a su marco interpretativo.
December 13, 2021
This book - only a few short pages is a good book just on hte Coup itself. Exactly what the title says.
May 28, 2019
Little Known History
A succinct and clear breakdown of the rule and fall of Paraguayan dictator Stroessner including the reasons behind it and the events that transpired during it. Backed up by good detail, little seen photos, and great illustrations about a little known event and a poorly documented military.
There are some errors (one corrupted table, some typos, etc.) and it is shorter than the typical @War title, but well worth the price of admission for those looking for good information on the coup or the Paraguayan Armed Forces and their equipment.
A succinct and clear breakdown of the rule and fall of Paraguayan dictator Stroessner including the reasons behind it and the events that transpired during it. Backed up by good detail, little seen photos, and great illustrations about a little known event and a poorly documented military.
There are some errors (one corrupted table, some typos, etc.) and it is shorter than the typical @War title, but well worth the price of admission for those looking for good information on the coup or the Paraguayan Armed Forces and their equipment.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews