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Title: Juan Lechín Oquendo Papers
Dates: 1952-2002
Collection number: 2004C14
Creator:
Lechín Oquendo, Juan.
Collection Size:
21 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box
(8.8 linear feet)
Repository:
Hoover Institution Archives
Stanford, California 94305-6010
Abstract: The papers provide an overview of the life and career of a prominent Bolivian trade unionist and politician, Juan Lechín Oquendo
who served as head of the powerful Central Obrera Boliviana for 35 years (1952-1987), and was vice president of Bolivia from
1960-1964. Correspondence, speeches and writings, reports, studies, copies of government documents and trade union records,
printed matter, sound recordings of interviews, photographs, and memorabilia in the papers relate to miners' unions in Bolivia
and the Central Obrera Boliviana, the Bolivian revolution of 1952, as well as subsequent political and economic developments
in Bolivia.
Physical location: Hoover Institution Archives
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
Spanish
The collection is open for research
Access to audiovisual materials requires at least two weeks advance notice. Audiovisual materials include sound recordings,
video recordings, and motion picture film. Hoover staff will determine whether use copies of the materials requested can be
made available. Some materials may not be accessible even with advance notice. Please contact the Hoover Institution Archives
Audiovisual Specialist for further information.
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Archives
[Identification of item], Juan Lechín Oquendo Papers, [Box no.], Hoover Institution Archives
Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Archives in 2004
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. To determine if this has occurred, find
the collection in Stanford University's online catalog at
http://searchworks.stanford.edu/ . Materials have been added to the collection if the number of boxes listed in the online catalog is larger than the number
of boxes listed in this finding aid.
| 1914 May 18 | Born, Corocoro, Bolivia |
| 1944 | Elected general secretary, Federación Sindical de Trabajadores Mineros de Bolivia (FSTMB) |
| 1952 | Participates in Bolivian National Revolution as a member of the Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario (MNR), and is named Minister of Mines. Becomes Executive Secretary of the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) |
| 1960 | Elected vice-president of Bolivia |
| 1964 | Leaves MNR and forms the Partido Revolucionario de Izquierda Nacional (PRIN) |
| 1965-1971 | In political exile |
| 1971 | Returns to Bolivia and is active in the creation of the Asamblea Popular |
| 1972-1978 | In political exile |
| 1980 | Runs unsuccessfully for president as candidate of the PRIN |
| 1987 | Retires as leader of the FSTMB and COB |
| 2000 | Author, Memorias |
| 2001 | Died |
Scope and Content of Collection
Acquired in 2004, the Juan Lechín Oquendo papers in the Hoover Institution Archives provide an overview of the life and career
of a prominent Bolivian trade unionist and politician. Lechín Oquendo served as head of the powerful Central Obrera Boliviana
for 35 years (1952-1987), and in this capacity he not only defended the interests of Bolivian workers, but became involved
in the turbulent politics of his country. At various times, Lechín Oquendo served as government minister, as vice-president
of Bolivia, and as the leader of an important opposition party. During several periods of military rule in Bolivia, Lechín
Oquendo was forced into political exile.
There are significant biographical materials in the papers. In addition to numerous clippings, the Biographical File contains
a number of writings on Lechín Oquendo, including a major biography. The Speeches and Writings series contains Lechín Oquendo's
autobiography, and in the Sound Recordings series there are a number of extensive interviews with him. The Photographs series
contains a large number of prints depicting Lechín Oquendo, including many relating to his political and trade union activities.
The Political Parties and Trade Unions File is comprised largely of publications by Bolivian political parties and trade unions,
including the organizations that Lechín Oquendo was affiliated with: the Central Obrera Boliviano, the Federacíon Sindical
de Trabjadores Mineros de Bolivia, and the Partido Revolucionario de Izquierdo. Materials about the Bolivian economy, and
especially its mining sector, can be found in the Subject File.
The Juan Claudio Lechín Weise File is devoted to Lechín Oquendo's son, and consists primarily of his published writings. The
Printed Matter series consists largely of publications relating to Bolivian politics and history, with an emphasis on the
National Revolution of 1952.
The collection is organized into 11 series: Biographical File, Correspondence, Speeches and Writings, Political Parties and
Trade Unions File, Juan Claudio Lechín Weise File, Subject File, Writings by Others, Printed Matter, Photographs, Sound Recordings,
and Oversize Materials
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Central Obrera Boliviana.
Labor unions--Bolivia.
Miners--Bolivia.
Bolivia--History--Revolution, 1952.
Bolivia--Politics and government.
Bolivia--Economic conditions.
Phonotapes.