alternatehistory.com

From Nations without States: A Historical Dictionary of Contemporary World Movements by James Minahan, pp. 479-480:
Isolated and restive under the domination of the highland Kollas, the region remained the domain of the European and mixed populations, unlike the largely Indian population of the Antiplano. The cultural differences created tensions between the two peoples that erupted in Camba rebellions in 1892 and 1904. Each Camba uprising was ended by troops sent from the highlands, increasing the Camba resentment and support for separation from Bolivia.

A renewed revolt spread across the region in 1920, resulting in a virtual military occupation by Bolivian troops. On 25 May 1921 the Cambas resumed the rebellion, which quickly escalated into a civil war. Camba nationalist leaders declared the independence of Santa Cruz on 8 July 1921, but the breakaway republic fell to Bolivian forces less than a year later. Nationalists formed the Santa Cruz National Party to work secretly for the restoration of an independent republic. In 1924 the Cambas again rose against the Bolivian occupation forces, but again suffered defeat and an intensified military occupation.

Tensions between Bolivia and Paraguay over the territory called the Gran Chaco, just south of Santa Cruz, increased in the 1920s. In 1928 the two countries both laid claim to the region, believed to have substantial petroleum reserves. Four years later, in 1932, war broke out over the region. In 1935, after three years of war, the Paraguayan government announced its support for an independent Santa Cruz. In May 1935 Camba prisoners of war requested separation from the other Bolivians. Over 150 officers and 6,000 men, released by the Paraguayans, swore allegiance to the proposed Camba state. On 22 May 1935 the leaders declared Santa Cruz independent of Bolivia. The end of the Chaco War and the negotiated partition of the Gran Chaco territory freed the Bolivians to deal with the Camba secession.​
What would such a Republic be like? How could it conceivably come into existence (without being suppressed by Bolivia)?
Top