Earlier versions of parts of chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 appeared in
Glenn J. Dorn, “Pushing Tin: U.S.-Bolivian Relations and the Coming
of the National Revolution,” Diplomatic History 35 (April 2011): 203–28 (first published online 6 March 2011).
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dorn, Glenn J.
The Truman administration and Bolivia : making the world safe for
liberal constitutional oligarchy / Glen J. Dorn.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Summary “Examines the interaction of the Truman administration in U.S. and five Bolivian governments in years leading up to Victor Paz Estenssoro’s National Revolution, focusing on negotiations over the price of tin”—Provided by the publisher.
ISBN 978-0-271-05015-7 (cloth : alk. paper)
1. United States—Foreign relations—Bolivia.
2. Bolivia—Foreign relations—United States.
3. United States—Foreign relations—1945–1953.
4. Bolivia—Foreign relations—20th century.
5. Tin—Prices—Bolivia—History—20th century.
6. Tin industry—Bolivia—Government policy—History—20th century.
I. Title.
E183.8.B6D67 2011
327.73084—dc 23
2011023350
Copyright © 2011 The Pennsylvania State University
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
Published by The Pennsylvania State University Press,
University Park, PA 16802-1003
It is the policy of The Pennsylvania State University Press to use acid-free paper. Publications on uncoated stock satisfy the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Material, ANSI z39.48–1992.
The Pennsylvania State University Press is a member of the Association of American Universty Presses.
This book is printed on Natures Natural, which contains 50% post-
consumer waste.
For Cassandra
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ix
List of Abbreviations xi
Introduction 1
1 Villarroel: April 1945–July 1946 27
2 Junta: July 1946–March 1947 49
3 Hertzog: March 1947–May 1949 71
4 Urriolagoitia: May 1949–June 1950 95
5 To the Mamertazo: July 1950–May 1951 117
6 Ballivián: May 1951–April 1952 137
7 Paz Estenssoro: April 1952–January 1953 163
Conclusion 185
Epilogue 197
Notes 211
Selected Bibliography 242
Index 248
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In writing The Truman Administration and Bolivia, I have enjoyed the support of more friends, family members, mentors, and colleagues than I could ever deserve. Without them, this project could never have been realized.
I would like to begin by thanking the teachers and historians who taught me what I know of the historian’s craft. I owe my career in this profession to Michael Hogan, whose patience and skill as a mentor cannot be overstated. The lessons that he, Peter Hahn, Warren Van Tine, and my other professors at Ohio State University taught me were invaluable. William O. Walker III has, quite literally, been there for me from my first day as an undergraduate. As a freshman chemistry major, I was blessed to attend his 8 a.m. U.S. history class. His passion and skill as a teacher, along with that of David Steigerwald and Richard Spall, drew me to the field of history and convinced me to make a career of it. I have continued to call upon Bill’s wisdom and advice ever since. My first day of teaching was as a one-year replacement for him, and I took it as my mission to do for my students what he had done for me. I remind myself of that every semester and attempt to rise to that near-impossible challenge each year.
This project presented new challenges for me, and I am grateful for all of those who lent me their expertise. The archivists at the U.S. National Archives, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library, and the George Meany Memorial Archives in Washington, D.C., were, as always, invaluable in my research and a credit to their great profession. Martha Paredes in La Paz and Carlos Dellapiane in Buenos Aires had the more challenging task of helping me find what I needed in their archives. Both showed more patience and dedication than I had any right to ask for. Before and during my trip to La Paz, James Siekmeier and Thomas Field provided insight and assistance that added much to the venture. Donald Burge at the University of New Mexico went far above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that I was able to access Senator Chavez’s records. The staff at Penn State University Press deserve special recognition for their skill, professionalism, and patience. I cannot thank enough Sanford Thatcher, Kendra Boileau, Laura Reed-Morrisson,
