The coup attempt followed a period of civil unrest as Rojas, coming to power in 1953 promising to end the La Violencia and initially hailed as Colombia's savior,[1][2] caused political discontent with his authoritarian policies, including silencing of the free press, detainment of opposition groups, and suspension of the country's constitution.

[3][4] In the lead-up to the coup, the leader of the opposition Guillermo Leon Valencia was placed under house arrest on May 1, causing widespread civil disobedience.

[4] Dubbed the "Jornadas de Mayo," the 10-day period was marked by nationwide student protests and the impromptu shutdown of universities, newspapers, shops, factories, businesses, and banks.

[1] The five-man military junta, composed of those who had previously served under the Rojas regime, - Gabriel París, Deogracias Fonseca, Ruben Piedrahita, Rafael Navas Pardo, and Luis Ordonez - announced their intentions for the restoration of civilian rule by August 7, 1958, through elections and other measures.

[1] During this period of military rule, a largely civilian and bi-partisan cabinet was appointed with the approval of the major parties.