Rene Barrientos Ortuno Biography and Timeline

Vice Presidency

Barrientos becomes vice president after running with Paz Estenssoro.

Role range: 1964-1964

President of Bolivia

Barrientos begins his first period as co-president within the military junta.

Role range: 1964-1965 – 1964-1965

Military Coup

Barrientos joins Ovando in the coup that removes Paz Estenssoro.

Role range: 1964-1964

Presidential Election

Barrientos wins the presidential election and returns Bolivia to formal civilian government.

Role range: 1966-1969 – 1966-1969

President of Bolivia

Barrientos begins his elected presidential term.

Role range: 1966-1969 – 1966-1969

Constitutional Presidency

Barrientos leads a constitutional government supported strongly by the armed forces.

Role range: 1966-1969 – 1966-1969

Mining Repression

Soldiers kill miners and family members during repression in the Siglo XX mining district.

Role range: 1966-1969

San Juan Massacre

Government troops attack mining communities during the San Juan Massacre.

Role range: 1966-1969

Execution of Che Guevara

Bolivian soldiers execute captured guerrilla leader Che Guevara at La Higuera.

Role range: 1966-1969

Guerrilla Campaign

Barrientos's government defeats Che Guevara's guerrilla force after his capture and execution.

Role range: 1966-1969

Che Guevara Insurgency

The government uses Bolivian Rangers and United States assistance against Guevara's insurgency.

Role range: 1966-1969 – 1966-1969

Death of Rene Barrientos

Barrientos dies in a helicopter crash near Arque, Cochabamba.