The years before stronism in Paraguay: construction and consolidation of a military bloc 1936-1954

Abstract

This article discusses the process of constitution of stronismo in Paraguay. To this end, it starts from the February 1936 revolution and the formation of a Military Bloc whose hegemony extends in Paraguayan society until 1989, with the coup that overthrew the long-lived dictatorship. The emergence and constitution of the Military Bloc incorporates, at the same time, a Civilian Political Bloc of support in the consolidation of power over the years. Stronismo represents, in this context, the continuity of a reconfigured military bloc - almost totally extinct when it collapsed in 1947 due to the civil war. In this sense, it is not necessarily a "personalist" government, although the years later lead it to this path. On the other hand, according to its intellectuals and propagandists, it is a government that brings balance and peace to the country after the years of liberal "anarchy" (1904-1940) and of the "colorado chaos" (1947-1954), which broad sectors end up incorporating as an understanding of the period.