The 1954 coup that brought General Alfredo Stroessner to power inaugurated Paraguay’s longest-lasting dictatorship.  Stroessner, an artillery officer and Colorado Party stalwart, overthrew President Federico Chávez on May 4, 1954 and quickly consolidated power .  In a rigged July 1954 election he ran virtually unopposed and won 98% of the vote.  Stroessner then combined military … Continue reading Paraguay and Stroessner: The Forgotten Pillar of Operation Condor