The Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR) is a Bolivian political party that was founded in 1942 as a left-wing nationalist organization.
Following Bolivia's defeat in the Chaco War in 1935, a series of nationalist movements arose to criticize the mining oligarchy and landowners' mismanagement of the country. The MNR was founded in 1941 by a group of intellectuals and activists (including former Nationalist Party members) disillusioned with the existing political system and driven by a desire for social reform. The party emerged in the context of growing nationalism and anti-imperialist sentiment, particularly against foreign exploitation of Bolivia's natural resources. Initially, the MNR promoted a nationalist and progressive agenda, advocating for land reform, nationalization of resources, and social justice. The party sought to represent the interests of the indigenous population and the working class. During World War II, the MNR initially embraced a nationalist ideology that some perceived as aligning with fascist principles, particularly in its emphasis on strong leadership and national unity, and also for its call for Gualberto Villarroel's government to ban Jewish immigraiton to the country (supposedly due to a housing shortage). In April 1944, the US pressured Villarroel to fire the MNR ministers in his cabinet due to the perception that they were Nazi sympathizers.
The MNR gained significant popularity in the early 1950s, culminating in the 1952 Bolivian National Revolution. This uprising led to the overthrow of the military regime and the establishment of a revolutionary government. Once in power, the MNR implemented sweeping reforms, including land redistribution, nationalization of the tin mines, and educational reforms. These policies aimed to modernize Bolivia and reduce the influence of foreign corporations. Over time, internal divisions within the MNR, coupled with economic challenges and social unrest, led to its decline in the late 1960s. The party struggled to maintain its revolutionary ideals amidst growing opposition and dissent. The MNR has continued to exist, adapting its platform and strategies over the decades. It has shifted from its revolutionary roots to a more centrist and electoral focus, reflecting the changing political landscape of Bolivia. The party promoted economic liberalism from the 1980s onwards, and Paz controversially backed Hugo Banzer's dictatorship. The party's 2019 presidential candidate won just .7% of the vote, and it has not been represented in the Chamber of Deputies or the Senate since the 2005 election.