David Toro

Bolivian colonel

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Colonel David Toro was a Bolivian military leader who, along with Major Germán Busch, headed a military government in Bolivia from 1936 to 1939. This period, often referred to as an era of "military socialism," followed the disastrous Chaco War. During Toro's leadership, the Standard Oil Company's holdings in Bolivia were confiscated, and significant labor reforms were enacted, including the creation of an important labor code. A socially progressive constitution was also drafted in 1938. Despite these reforms, broader societal changes were limited.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Bolivia
The Chaco War and military rule
…under the leadership of Colonel David Toro in 1936–37 and Major Germán Busch in 1937–39, they tried to reform Bolivian society. During this so-called era of military socialism the Standard Oil Company holdings were confiscated, an important labor code was created, and an advanced, socially oriented constitution was written in…
Read More
…under the leadership of Colonel David Toro in 1936–37 and Major Germán Busch in 1937–39, they tried to reform Bolivian society. During this so-called era of military socialism the Standard Oil Company holdings were confiscated, an important labor code was created, and an advanced, socially oriented constitution was written in…
Read More