Bolivian Civil War

The Bolivian Civil War, also known as the Federal War (Spanish: Guerra Federal) is a civil war in Bolivia fought from 1898 to 1899.

The war sees two factions, a conservative side supported by the political, economic and religious elite of the country with control of the armed forces and who defend a unitary state, and a liberal faction opposed to the policies set by the state and that intend to transform the country into a federation, with support of the peasantry, the indigenous peoples and small Catholic businesses.

The conflict is ultimately won by the liberal side, putting an end to decades-long political rule by the Bolivian conservatives and leading to a time of political change called the federal revolution (Spanish: revolución federal).

The outcome includes the attempted move of the country's capital city from Sucre to La Paz, however subsequent political conflicts challenge this process, eventually frustrating a complete move and also hindering the transformation into a federal republic

In consequence, Sucre remains the constitutional capital, whereas La Paz becomes the de facto seat of government, a situation that remains in present time.

During the war, both sides commit atrocities against the civilian populace.

Within the territory controlled by each faction, a surge of revolutions and counter-revolutions further complicates the everyday lives of civilians.

In addition, foreign interests are also present, as the liberals have strong links with Peru and the conservatives with Chile.

The post-war period is marked by the general disillusionment at the Federal Government Junta, created after the war by members of the liberal faction.

While the Junta does conduct some political reforms, it largely continues the political foundations of its predecessors, including preserving the unitary state and rejecting any possibility of establishing a federal or confederal state.

Additionally, the new government does not uphold the promises made to the rural and indigenous classes, and protests by them are responded with oppression and executions.

The most significant execution of this period is that of Pablo Zárate Wilka, an indigenous leader who had proved to be the biggest ally of the liberal faction during the war.

The political consequences of the civil war will continue on during the twentieth century, as its ideological bases serves as foundations for subsequent political upheaval, such as the Bolivian revolution of 1952.

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