State Modernization as a Need for the Future: The National Front, 1958-1974

Abstract

This article describes how the State was modernized during the National Front (1958-1974). This intention was seen as a necessity to build a better future through investing in social development, to make a healthy democracy possible, and to solve in this manner the conflict present in Colombia. This happened in the context of the Cold War and the encounter of the political projects of world powers. We analyze the different presidential terms of the National Front, their bids and reforms, as well as their relationships with the United States and the place occupied by the military and the middle class, thus showing how the public forces and the civilian population responded to these measures. We conclude, therefore, that a period of openness and social opportunities framed by a project such as State modernization, led by the US, affected society's spirits and caused criticism against the ability of state institutions to bring about better living conditions.