La Violencia & Dictatorship Era (1948 - 1958)

continued - Under Rojas Pinilla’s dictatorship the violence escalates in Colombia against whoever goes against the General. The Liberal and Conservative Parties arrange for a coup d'etat to depose Rojas Pinilla and install a military junta aided by both parties. The business community, the church, the communists, and the student movement support the coup. The junta offers an amnesty to pacify the country and begin re-incorporation of the liberal guerrillas into civilian life. Not everyone hands in their arms.

The Liberal and Conservative Parties decide to share power for 16 years. This arrangement was called the Frente Nacional (National Front). Presidents alternate four-year terms between the two parties. All other parties are excluded.