Alfredo Stroessner

Alfredo Stroessner was one the longest running dictators the world had ever seen. He ruled Paraguay with an iron fist from 1954 to 1989. Born on November 3, 1912, Stroessner joined the army at 17 years of age. He was named commander and chief of the armed forces in 1951 and led the coup that overthrew President Federico Chavez in 1954. Stroessner became president that same year.

Stroessner belonged to the Colorado Party that had been ruling since 1948 (and would continue to rule until 2006).

Stroessner himself was overthrown in 1989 Gen. Andres Rodriguez who had most of the country’s popular support at that time. Exiled in Brazil, Stroessner died in 2006 a very rich man.

During his regime, thousands of people were tortured and murdered. These people usually belonged to opposition parties or were socialists. One method of murder used was throwing people off planes.

Abundance and riches for those around him (usually army generals) also characterized Stroessner’s reign. The rest of the country lived in poverty.

Very good article on Stroessner...

Interesting article on Andres Rodriguez...