born March 12, 1900, Tunja, Colom.
died Jan. 17, 1975, Bogotá
Soldier and dictator of Colombia (195357).
He rose through the ranks of the army to seize power from the brutal regime of Laureano Gómez (b. 1889
d. 1965). Though he promised peace, justice, and liberty, he instead ruled by decree, silencing the opposition press, stirring up violence against Protestants, and embezzling government money. He was exiled and impeached but returned to form an opposition party and run for president. In 1970 he was narrowly defeated in elections he claimed were fraudulent; his supporters rioted and martial law was declared. His daughter sought the presidency in 1974 but was soundly defeated.