Manuel Isidoro Belzu Humerez (1848-55) emerges as…

Manuel Isidoro Belzu Humerez (1848-55) emerges as Bolivia's most powerful figure after the overthrow of Ballivian y Segurola in 1847.

Unlike his predecessors, Belzu seeks the support of the masses.

In order to gain the backing of the natives, he starts a campaign against the aristocratic landowners, seizes their land, and incites the natives to destroy the homes of the landowners.

He also hopes to get the support of the artisans who had been hurt by the free-trade policies of Ballivian y Segurola by restricting the role of foreign merchants in Bolivia and limiting imports.