# Pablo Busch > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pablo_Busch > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pablo_Busch.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Busch > Source revision: 1351238114 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Good article}} {{Short description|German-born explorer, physician, and politician (1867–1950)}} {{Other uses|Paul Busch (disambiguation){{!}}Paul Busch}} {{Use American English|date=November 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = Pablo Busch | image = Pablo Busch. Unknown author. c. 1937–1939. La Paz.png | alt = Headshot of Pablo Busch | caption = Portrait of Busch, {{circa|1930}} | birth_name = Paul Erich Busch | birth_date = {{Birth date|1867|11|04|df=y}} | birth_place = [Königsaue](/source/K%C3%B6nigsaue), Prussia, North German Confederation | death_date = {{Death date and age|1950|05|03|1867|11|04|df=y}} | death_place = [Portachuelo](/source/Portachuelo), Santa Cruz, Bolivia | occupation = {{Hlist|Explorer|physician|politician}} | spouse = {{Br list|{{Marriage|Raquel Becerra Villavicencio|12 June 1893|1903|reason=sep}}|{{Marriage|Enriqueta Antelo Hurtado|1912|reason=sep}}}} | partner = Petrona Baldivieso {{Nowrap|({{circa|1908}}–1910)}} | children = 9, including [Germán](/source/Germ%C3%A1n_Busch) | relatives = [Alberto Natusch](/source/Alberto_Natusch) (grandson) }} '''Paul Erich''' "'''Pablo'''" '''Busch Wiesener'''{{efn-lg|In this [Spanish name](/source/Spanish_name), the first or paternal [surname](/source/surname) is ''[Busch](/source/Busch_(surname))'' and the second or maternal family name is ''Wiesener''. Busch emigrated to Bolivia when it was common practice for foreign nationals to [Hispanicize](/source/Hispanicize) their names. During return trips to Europe, Busch would revert to his given name.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=22, 29}}}} (4 November 1867 – 3 May 1950) was a German-born Bolivian explorer, physician, and politician. He served as [subprefect](/source/subprefect) of [Ñuflo de Chávez Province](/source/%C3%91uflo_de_Ch%C3%A1vez_Province) from 1924 to 1925 and was the father of [Germán Busch](/source/Germ%C3%A1n_Busch), the [president of Bolivia](/source/president_of_Bolivia) from 1937 to 1939. Born in [Königsaue](/source/K%C3%B6nigsaue) and educated as a surgeon, Busch [emigrated](/source/Immigration_to_Bolivia) from [Imperial Germany](/source/Imperial_Germany) to {{ill|Bolivian Llanos|es|Región de los llanos de Bolivia|lt=eastern Bolivia}} during the [Amazon rubber boom](/source/Amazon_rubber_boom). He was a [shareholder](/source/shareholder) and [branch manager](/source/branch_manager) of the German-run [trading company](/source/trading_company) Zeller & Co., and made several [medical expeditions](/source/Wilderness_medicine) along [the Amazon](/source/Amazon_River) and its tributaries. Busch led a [nomadic](/source/nomadic) lifestyle, with a presence in various communities in [Beni](/source/Beni_Department) and [Santa Cruz](/source/Santa_Cruz_Department). He started and abandoned multiple families and left many descendants throughout his lifetime. During the [Acre War](/source/Acre_War), Busch lent logistical support to the Bolivian [expeditionary force](/source/Expeditionary_warfare) commanded by President [José Manuel Pando](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Manuel_Pando). He gained recognition for his anti-[blockade](/source/blockade) actions against [Brazilian separatists](/source/Republic_of_Acre). A member of the [Republican Party](/source/Republican_Party_(Bolivia)), he was subprefect of the Ñuflo de Chávez Province. His imposition of order amid rampant [banditry](/source/banditry) gave him a reputation for ruthlessness across the [department](/source/Departments_of_Bolivia). Busch reconnected with his son Germán in 1937 and was a trusted member of the president's administration. Historians partially attribute his influence to improved [Bolivian–German relations](/source/Bolivia%E2%80%93Germany_relations) during this time. Busch was caught in Germany during the [outbreak of World War II](/source/outbreak_of_World_War_II) and was [interned](/source/interned) by the United Kingdom after [the conflict's conclusion](/source/End_of_World_War_II_in_Europe). Bolivian diplomatic efforts secured his [repatriation](/source/repatriation), and he died in [Portachuelo](/source/Portachuelo) in 1950. == Background and early life == === Origins and family background === Paul Busch was born on 4 November 1867 in [Königsaue](/source/K%C3%B6nigsaue), an [agrarian settlement](/source/Hamlet_(place)) in the fertile [Magdeburg Börde](/source/Magdeburg_B%C3%B6rde), in what is now the [Bördeland Municipality](/source/B%C3%B6rdeland) of [Saxony-Anhalt](/source/Saxony-Anhalt).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=19–20}} His father, Ferdinand Busch, was {{lang|de|[Kapellmeister](/source/Kapellmeister)}} of {{Ill|St. John's Church, Eickendorf|de|St.-Johannis-Kirche (Eickendorf)|lt=St. John's}}, the [Lutheran church](/source/Lutheran_church) in neighboring [Eickendorf](/source/Eickendorf%2C_Salzlandkreis), and taught [music](/source/Music_education) and [mathematics](/source/Mathematics_education) there and in the adjacent villages. His mother was Bertha Wiesener, and he was one of between four and seven siblings.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=19–21}}{{efn-lg|Descendants of the Busch–Becerra line assert that Busch was one of seven siblings; those in the Busch–Antelo line claim only four. "Only the [latter version] has concrete data", says Brockmann.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=21|loc="Sólo la versión de que habrían sido cuatro hermanos tiene datos concretos"}}}} Of his three known brothers, only one, Georg, accompanied Busch abroad. He moved to Bolivia in 1906, where he captained a [steamboat](/source/steamboat) that traversed the [Mamoré River](/source/Mamor%C3%A9_River) in the employ of his brother's company. After four years, he returned to Germany to work in [Neumünster](/source/Neum%C3%BCnster). Another brother, Wilhelm, studied [philology](/source/philology) in [Berlin](/source/Berlin) and spent his life as a school professor.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=21–22}} Little is known of "Juan"{{snd}}a translation of either Johann, Johannes, or Hans{{snd}}the presumed eldest brother. An [accountant](/source/accountant) and [merchant](/source/merchant), [oral history](/source/oral_history) states that he founded a [brewery](/source/brewery).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=22}} === Education and emigration === Busch completed his [primary education](/source/primary_education) in Eickendorf and attended [secondary](/source/Secondary_education) in neighboring Magdeburg. He graduated as a physician in [Halle an der Saale](/source/Halle_an_der_Saale) and completed specialist medical training at several German institutes.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=21}}{{efn-lg|Heinrich lists Busch attending universities in Magdeburg, Halle, and [Leipzig](/source/Leipzig).{{sfn|Heinrich|2005|p=50}} Brockmann states that he studied in [Hamburg](/source/Hamburg) and Berlin.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=21}} Hollweg claims he attended the "University of Berlin", without specifying which institution.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=330}} All three authors agree that he concluded his studies in Berlin.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=50|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=21}}}} He received a [doctorate in surgery](/source/Doctor_of_Medicine) with a specialization in [tropical diseases](/source/Tropical_medicine) from a university in Berlin.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=50}} Writer [Carlos Montenegro](/source/Carlos_Montenegro) states that Busch was "little more than in his mid-adolescence" by the time he completed his university studies.{{sfn|Montenegro|2015|p=51|loc="[Busch] recibió el título facultativo de médico y cirujano, casi no más que en plena adolescencia"}} In 1890, at age 23, Busch [immigrated to Bolivia](/source/Immigration_to_Bolivia) to seek a career in education. The exact motives for his departure are unclear.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=22}} Historian Delia Heinrich states that he was forced into [exile](/source/exile) due to his [anti-monarchist](/source/anti-monarchist) views.{{sfn|Heinrich|2005|p=50}} Busch booked passage on the [Hamburg America Line](/source/Hamburg_America_Line) and made port in [Buenos Aires](/source/Buenos_Aires).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=50|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=22}} From there, he traveled by land through the northern Argentine trail, passing the cities of [Rosario](/source/Rosario), [Santa Fe](/source/Santa_Fe%2C_Argentina), and [Santiago del Estero](/source/Santiago_del_Estero) toward [the Bolivian frontier](/source/Argentina%E2%80%93Bolivia_border).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=330|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=50}} {{lang|fr|En route}}, he was attacked by [bandit](/source/bandit)s but fought off his attackers. In a tale recounted by historian Mario Gabriel Hollweg, Busch fractured one bandit's skull with his [cane](/source/Walking_stick) and delivered the other to the police himself.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=330}} == Presence in Bolivia == === Business ventures and medical practice === Upon his arrival in Bolivia, Busch settled in [Santa Cruz de la Sierra](/source/Santa_Cruz_de_la_Sierra), a city isolated from the {{ill|Andes|es|Región andina de Bolivia|lt=Andean west|preserve=yes}} but which benefited from the flourishing [rubber boom](/source/rubber_boom).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=23}} There, Busch developed a close friendship with Wálter Villinger, a compatriot from [Biberach an der Riß](/source/Biberach_an_der_Ri%C3%9F) in [Baden](/source/Baden), who invited him to enter business with one [Emilio Zeller](/source/Emilio_Zeller).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=244, 330–331|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=23}} A [wholesaler](/source/wholesaler) who emigrated from Baden around the 1880s, Zeller had established himself as the largest [industrialist](/source/industrialist) in the {{ill|Bolivian Llanos|es|Región de los llanos de Bolivia|lt=Bolivian orient}}.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=241–244|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=30}} His joint [trading company](/source/trading_company) primarily dealt in the [import-export trade](/source/International_trade) but had a hand in several industries and operated a sizeable fleet of steamboats.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|pp=243–251}} Villinger and Busch's involvement with Zeller gave rise to Zeller, Villinger & Co., with Busch as one of the firm's main [shareholder](/source/shareholder)s.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|pp=243, 331}} alt=Photograph of Pablo Busch seated on a chair|thumb|Photo of Busch taken in La Paz or Cochabamba, {{circa|1937–1939}} Over the following years, Busch navigated the many tributaries of the [Amazon basin](/source/Amazon_basin), which connected isolated communities to the major eastern population centers. He attended{{snd}}often {{lang|la|[pro bono](/source/pro_bono)}}{{snd}}to the medical needs of local [indigenous tribes](/source/Indigenous_peoples_in_Bolivia).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=23, 25}} According to Hollweg, his penchant for accurate [diagnoses](/source/Medical_diagnosis), efficient treatments, and therapeutic accomplishments led some to label him a "[witch](/source/Witch_doctor) or {{lang|es|[curandero](/source/curandero)}}".{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=330}} Between 1893 and 1895, Busch settled in [Trinidad, Beni](/source/Trinidad%2C_Beni), where he practiced medicine and managed the [branch office](/source/branch_office) of his partners' firm. However, dissatisfaction with sedentary life spurred him to move on. For the next eight years, Busch lived as a semi-[nomad](/source/nomad). His recurrent [medical expeditions](/source/Wilderness_medicine) and business ventures on behalf of Zeller led him to frequent several riverside communities in the [departments](/source/Departments_of_Bolivia) of [Beni](/source/Beni_Department) and [Santa Cruz](/source/Santa_Cruz_Department), especially [Baures](/source/Baures), the site of his trade office, and [San Javier](/source/San_Javier%2C_%C3%91uflo_de_Ch%C3%A1vez), where he owned a residence.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=25}} Busch supported the Bolivian camp during the [Acre conflict](/source/Acre_War), between 1899 and 1903. The dispute centered around armed attempts by [separatist](/source/Republic_of_Acre) Brazilian [filibusters](/source/Filibuster_(military)) to seize control of Bolivia's rubber-rich {{ill|National Territory of Colonies|es|Territorio Nacional de Colonias|lt=northern territories}}.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=26}} Bolivian forces drew sizable [volunteer](/source/Military_volunteer) support from German [expat](/source/expat)s, many of whom were employed by corporations operating in the region.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|pp=156–157}} Busch put his steamboat at the service of the Bolivian expedition, supplying food and ammunition. His successful efforts in breaking through the separatist [blockade](/source/blockade), wherein he was nearly taken prisoner, earned him a letter of recognition from President [José Manuel Pando](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Manuel_Pando), who commanded Bolivian troops in the field.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=162–163, 331|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=26}} === Later pursuits and enterprises === In 1904, Busch relocated to Baures in [Iténez Province](/source/It%C3%A9nez_Province), where he worked as [branch manager](/source/branch_manager) of Zeller & Co., whose local office had become the town's largest trading house. Here, in 1909, he co-founded the second [publishing company](/source/publishing_company) in Beni using a [printing press](/source/printing_press) imported from Germany. It published ''El Porvenir'', the department's only [newspaper](/source/newspaper) outside of Trinidad.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=209|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=26–28}} During this time, Busch continued his routine river expeditions. In 1908, while navigating either the Mamoré or [Iténez River](/source/It%C3%A9nez_River), his vessel was ambushed by a [Cayubaba tribe](/source/Cayubaba_people). The attack left Busch gravely wounded in the stomach, but he managed to make port in {{ill|Puerto Ballivián|es}} before being transferred to Trinidad. A local doctor removed an [arrow](/source/arrow) shaft from his [abdomen](/source/abdomen) but could not extract the [point](/source/Arrowhead) lodged in his [vertebra](/source/vertebra).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=331|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=28–29}} In Baures on 23 July, Busch signed his final [will and testament](/source/will_and_testament).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=29, 35|3a1=Pinto|3y=2023|3p=104}} Busch elected to seek treatment in his native Germany. He was transported by river from Trinidad to the [transatlantic](/source/Transatlantic_crossing) port of [Belém do Pará](/source/Bel%C3%A9m_do_Par%C3%A1) and spent thirty days aboard a German [steamship](/source/steamship) bound for Hamburg. There, Busch underwent several successful operations, where it was shown that he had suffered seven [gastrointestinal perforation](/source/gastrointestinal_perforation)s. He spent the next few years in [convalescence](/source/convalescence) in Germany, where medical expenses forced him to sell off his stocks in Zeller & Co.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=331–332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=29}} alt=Photograph of Pablo Busch seated on a chair|thumb|Photo of Busch {{circa|1930s}}|318x318px Busch reentered Beni by way of the [Madeira](/source/Madeira_River) and Mamoré rivers in either 1910 or 1911.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=29}} He established a [small enterprise](/source/small_enterprise) selling imported hardware, but the venture fell through.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=29}} He spent short stints in the [hamlets](/source/hamlets) of [Yaguarú](/source/Yaguar%C3%BA) and [El Puente](/source/El_Puente%2C_Santa_Cruz) in [Guarayos Province](/source/Guarayos_Province) and practiced medicine among the [indigenous peoples](/source/Guarayos) of the surrounding [Franciscan](/source/Franciscan) missions.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=29–30}} From there, Busch moved to the [Ñuflo de Chávez Province](/source/%C3%91uflo_de_Ch%C3%A1vez_Province).{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=332}} He settled permanently in [Concepción](/source/Concepci%C3%B3n%2C_Santa_Cruz) and returned to Zeller & Co. as an advisor and physician for the local branch.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=332, 452|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2p=762|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=29}} During this time, Busch also worked for the British firms Anglo-Bolivian Rubber Co. and Trading Co. Ltda.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=29}} === Political activities === Beginning around 1918, it became common for prominent Germans in Santa Cruz to acquire [Bolivian citizenship](/source/Bolivian_citizenship) and participate in [local government](/source/local_government).{{sfn|Hollweg|1997|p=523}} Busch served as [chief physician](/source/chief_physician) in the Public Health Service of Concepción.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=29–30}} When a [1920 coup d'état](/source/1920_Bolivian_coup_d'%C3%A9tat) in [La Paz](/source/La_Paz) unseated the reigning [Liberal](/source/Liberal_Party_(Bolivia)) government and installed the [Republicans](/source/Republican_Party_(Bolivia)),{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1997|1p=522|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=30}} Busch joined the party, attracted by its [populist](/source/Populism_in_Latin_America) platform.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=333, 452|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2p=524|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=30}} The new government faced constant opposition from the deposed Liberals and operated under a [state of exception](/source/state_of_exception) for several years.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1997|1p=523|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=30}} The province of Ñuflo de Chávez had a similar political situation, as well as rampant [banditry](/source/banditry).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=30}} To quell the unrest, the administration of [Bautista Saavedra](/source/Bautista_Saavedra) named Busch [subprefect](/source/subprefect) in June 1924.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=452|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2pp=523–524|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=30}} Previous authorities{{snd}}including [César Banzer](/source/C%C3%A9sar_Banzer), a personal friend of Busch{{sfn|Crespo|1999|pp=44, 54}}{{snd}}had all struggled to pacify the province.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=452|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=30}} During his term, Busch became known as a harsh authority for the "severe methods" applied to bring order to the province.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=452|1loc="[Enfrentó oposición por] 'sus métodos muy severos empleados para poner orden en la provincia{{'"}}|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=30–31|2loc="En ese rol, el médico se reveló como una autoridad severa"}} His efforts, says historian Robert Brockmann, were consistently opposed by the Liberals, who "suffered first-hand the harshness of [Busch's] selective kindness".{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1997|1pp=523, 762|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=31|2loc="Los liberales{{nbsp}}... sufrieron en carne propia las asperezas de la bondad selectiva del médico"}} Busch led a relentless campaign to stamp out banditry and apprehend the [outlaw](/source/outlaw) Carmelo Hurtado,{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2p=762}} who had gained a reputation as a "[romantic brigand](/source/Noble_outlaw)" and became a popular [folk hero](/source/folk_hero) among the people.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1pp=333, 452|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=30}} According to Brockmann, in the conflict between Busch and Hurtado, "it is impossible to separate fiction from reality".{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=30|loc="Allí se desarrolló una saga romántica de la cual hoy es imposible separar la ficción de la realidad"}} One account tells of Busch confronting Hurtado in an [armed skirmish](/source/Shootout). The bandit supposedly had the chance to kill Busch but chose to spare him because "he treated the poor for free".{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|1loc="Hurtado le tenía respeto y admiración, porque 'curaba gratis a los pobres{{'"}}|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=31}} By the end of his term, the inhabitants of Concepción were on the verge of rebellion and his reputation for ruthlessness reached as far as Santa Cruz de la Sierra.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=31}} Busch was dismissed on 6 October 1925 after sixteen months in office.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=453}} == Relationships and children == === Busch–Becerra line === During a [stopover](/source/Layover) in Trinidad on an expedition in 1892, Busch met Raquel Becerra Villavicencio.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=331|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=24}} They maintained an intermittent romantic relationship between Busch's regular comings and goings and were wed in Trinidad on 12 June 1893.{{sfnm|1a1=Lijerón|1y=2011|1p=20|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=24}} Busch fathered five children during his marriage with Becerra. Due to the couple's itinerant lifestyle, only the eldest, Josefina, was born on 8 May 1895 in Trinidad{{snd}}although even her birthplace is stated as [Santa Ana del Yacuma](/source/Santa_Ana_del_Yacuma) in Busch's testament. The remaining four were all delivered along the routes of Busch's expeditions. Bertha Beni was born on 18 February 1897 in either [Villa Bella](/source/Villa_Bella) or somewhere along the [Beni River](/source/Beni_River) between there and [Cachuela Esperanza](/source/Cachuela_Esperanza). Elisa and Pablo were born on 27 January 1900 and 27 November 1901, respectively, both in San Javier.{{sfnm|1a1=Lijerón|1y=2011|1p=20|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=25}}{{efn-lg|Sources differ on the dates and birthplaces of all of Busch's children, but Brockmann cites these as the most "consistent or supported" figures.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=25}} Hollweg lists Josefina as being born on 8 May 1894 in Santa Ana del Sécure; Bertha on 18 February 1896 in Villa Bella; Elisa on 23 January 1900 in San Javier; and Pablo on 27 November 1901 in San Javier.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=331}}}} The birthplace of Busch's fifth and youngest son with Becerra, [Germán](/source/Germ%C3%A1n_Busch), born 23 March 1903, remains [a subject of debate among scholars](/source/Birthplace_of_Germ%C3%A1n_Busch), who claim either {{ill|El Carmen del Iténez|es}} or San Javier as the site.{{sfnm|1a1=Lijerón|1y=2011|1p=19|2a1=Pinto|2y=2023|2p=101}} Josefina married Miguel Kiyoto, a [Japanese immigrant](/source/Japanese_and_Okinawan_Bolivians) and grocer, in 1932.{{sfnm|1a1=Lijerón|1y=2011|1p=20|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=39|3a1=Komori|3y=2019|3p=8}} Bertha married Samuel Ávila Alvarado in 1911, from which the prominent Ávila–Busch and Ávila–Chávez families of Trinidad descend.{{sfn|Lijerón|2011|pp=20, 24}} A {{ill|cattle rancher|es|ganadero|preserve=yes}}, Ávila later served as a diplomat and [senator](/source/Chamber_of_Senators_(Bolivia)).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=40}} Elisa married the [professor](/source/professor) Alberto Natusch Velasco in San Javier on 27 January 1900;{{sfnm|1a1=Heinrich|1y=2005|1p=78|2a1=Lijerón|2y=2011|2p=20}} through them, Busch is the maternal grandfather of [Alberto Natusch Busch](/source/Alberto_Natusch_Busch), the [president of Bolivia](/source/president_of_Bolivia) in 1979.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=78|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=78}} The junior Pablo became a physician like his father, according Brockmann; different versions state that he either succumbed to [drug addiction](/source/drug_addiction) in his youth and died of an [overdose](/source/overdose) in April 1932 or was poisoned and robbed on the road to Trinidad.{{sfnm|1a1=Montenegro|1y=2015|1p=61|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=40}} {{Quote box |align=right |salign=right |width=31% |quote=[Pablo] Busch lacked affection for anyone and in general was a bad father and a worse husband. |author=— Robert Brockmann{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=22|loc="[Pablo] Busch carecía de cariños para nadie y en general fue un mal padre y peor esposo"}}}} Months after the birth of Germán, Busch abandoned the family.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=26; 38}} According to his granddaughter, Gloria Busch Carmona, the family narrative is that Busch "saw a beautiful 14-year-old girl, fell madly in love, and left [Becerra] and their children to go with her".{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=38|loc="La versión preservada por la familia es que Pablo 'vio una hermosa niña de 14 años, se enamoró locamente y dejó a [Becerra] y a sus hijos para irse con ella{{'"}}}} Busch remained [estranged](/source/Family_estrangement) from his family; he and Becerra reunited only once in 1938, and he was [absent](/source/Father_absence) in his children's lives well into adulthood.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=26, 38, 178, 347}} Throughout his life, Germán sent sporadic letters to Busch, which went unanswered. He finally agreed to meet in 1937 after his son wrote a final message framed as an ultimatum.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=178}} On 5 July, Germán departed for Concepción on a small [Junkers W 34](/source/Junkers_W_34), but the plane did not arrive as intended.{{sfnm|1a1=Díaz|1y=1957|1pp=52–53|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=178–179}} His apparent disappearance plunged Busch into a deep [depression](/source/Depression_(mood)).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=178–179|loc="La tardanza hundió a Pablo Busch en la más negra desesperación y remordimiento"}} Busch later narrated that he had given himself one hour for Germán to arrive or else "I would shoot myself, because, fallen in the forest and devoured by vermin, [my son] would have died because of me, because of the longing to see his father".{{sfnm|1a1=Díaz|1y=1957|1p=53|1loc="Si Germán no llegaba dentro de [una hora], yo me pegaba un tiro, porque, caido en el bosque y devorado por las alimañas, habria muerto por culpa mia, por el anhelo de ver a su padre"|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=179}} Within the hour, the plane landed and the two reunited.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=179}} [[File:Family of Germán Busch. Unknown author. 1938. Cochabamba.png|thumb|Busch at a [family reunion](/source/family_reunion) in [Cochabamba](/source/Cochabamba), 1938]] Three days after his return from Concepción,{{sfnm|1a1=Díaz|1y=1957|1p=53|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=180}} Germán became president of Bolivia.{{sfn|Hollweg|1997|p=650}} From then on, Busch{{snd}}who, by all accounts, had never before set foot in La Paz{{snd}}became a common presence in the [Palacio Quemado](/source/Palacio_Quemado).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=179, 209}} [Matilde Carmona](/source/Matilde_Carmona), the [first lady](/source/First_ladies_and_gentlemen_of_Bolivia), resented Busch's "sudden paternal devotion" because it seemed to her self-serving.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=209|loc="Matilde resintió esa súbita devoción paternal, porque le pareció, con razón, interesada"}} For Brockmann, "the filial love of a father who disregards{{nbsp}}... his newborn son and then clings to him when he becomes powerful is doubtful".{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=209|loc="Es dudoso el amor filial de un padre que se desentiende de{{nbsp}}... su hijo recien nacido y se apera a el cuando este se torna poderoso"}} Because of his outsized influence, "it is very probable" that the president's German-born father played a role in the Bolivian government's [deepened ties](/source/Bolivia%E2%80%93Germany_relations) with the [Third Reich](/source/Third_Reich) during this time.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=209}} Busch met with multiple German officials on behalf of the administration; he discussed economic relations with [Ernst Wendler](/source/Ernst_Wendler) and [Joachim von Ribbentrop](/source/Joachim_von_Ribbentrop) and attended an [opera](/source/Opera_in_German) with [Adolf Hitler](/source/Adolf_Hitler), whom he gifted a [vicuña wool](/source/vicu%C3%B1a_wool) quilt.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=272, 284–285}} === Busch–Baldivieso line === During his time in Baures, Busch met Petrona Baldivieso, the {{lang|es|[mestiza](/source/mestiza)}} daughter of the local {{lang|es|[cacique](/source/cacique)}}. Busch and Baldivieso never married.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=27}} They had one child, Carlos, born in Baures on 23 April 1908.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=331|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2p=616|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=27}} Months later, Busch left to receive medical treatment in Germany, and did not return to Baldivieso nor their son.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=28–29}} Carlos later served with distinction in the [Chaco War](/source/Chaco_War), where he rose to the rank of [lieutenant](/source/lieutenant).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1997|1p=616|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=40}} He was [chief of police](/source/chief_of_police) of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in 1938, during the administration of his half-brother. He was murdered along with his daughter in 1946.{{sfn|Hollweg|1997|p=617}} === Busch–Antelo line === In 1912, Busch married Enriqueta Antelo Hurtado, a woman from Santa Rosa de la Mina, whom he had met a few days prior. Their first son, Gustavo was born in 1915 and [died in infancy](/source/died_in_infancy).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=29}} Their second son, also named Gustavo, was born in El Puente on 21 April 1916.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Hollweg|2y=1997|2p=763|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=29}} Gustavo studied [business management](/source/business_management) and became a broadcaster and [radio personality](/source/radio_personality); he owned the stations Libertad in La Paz and Centenario in Santa Cruz.{{sfn|Hollweg|1997|p=763}} Dora, the youngest of Busch's children, was born in Concepción on 16 May 1928.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=332|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=29}} Her son, [Herland Vaca Díez Busch](/source/Herland_Vaca_D%C3%ADez_Busch),{{sfn|''AlMinuto'' 12 August 2011}} served as president of the {{ill|Pro-Santa Cruz Civic Committee|es|Comité Cívico Pro-Santa Cruz}} from 2011 to 2013.{{sfn|''El Deber'' 22 February 2024|p=5}} == Later life and death == [[File:Pablo Busch. Unknown author. c. 1947–1948. Germany.png|alt=Headshot of Pablo Busch|thumb|Photo of Busch taken for his Brazilian [transit visa](/source/transit_visa), {{circa|1948}}]] Busch departed for Germany to receive [cataract surgery](/source/cataract_surgery) on 10 May 1939.{{sfn|Hollweg|1995|p=333}} He was in [Genoa](/source/Genoa) when he received the [telegram](/source/telegram) reporting the sudden [suicide in office](/source/Death_of_Germ%C3%A1n_Busch) of his son, Germán, on 23 August. Like many in the Busch family, he blamed the death on his in-laws, the Carmonas.{{sfn|''El Deber'' 15 July 2017}} Busch was caught in Germany during the [outbreak of World War II](/source/outbreak_of_World_War_II) on 1 September; he remained trapped in the Third Reich for the duration of the conflict.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=322}} Despite his advanced age, he was pressed into service as a [field surgeon](/source/field_surgeon) operating out of Neumünster in [Schleswig-Holstein](/source/Province_of_Schleswig-Holstein).{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=322}} Upon the war's conclusion, Busch was [interned](/source/interned) in a British [prisoner-of-war camp](/source/prisoner-of-war_camp) and was stripped of his [diplomatic passport](/source/diplomatic_passport) by [José Saavedra](/source/Jos%C3%A9_Saavedra_(politician)), an erstwhile political rival of his late son.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2pp=247, 322–323}} The ordeal left Busch undocumented alongside [millions of other displaced Germans](/source/Flight_and_expulsion_of_Germans_(1944%E2%80%931950)).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=323}} Through the diplomatic efforts of [Aniceto Solares](/source/Aniceto_Solares), the [Bolivian foreign minister](/source/Foreign_Minister_of_Bolivia) who lobbied British authorities, Busch and other nationals were released and [repatriated](/source/repatriated).{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=323}} He reentered Bolivia in either 1946 or 1948.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Heinrich|2y=2005|2p=50|3a1=Brockmann|3y=2017|3p=323}} Prior to his return, Busch married his niece, some forty years his junior, who accompanied him back to Bolivia. Unable to [acclimate](/source/acclimate) to the [tropical climate](/source/tropical_climate), she returned to Germany shortly thereafter.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=323}} The government of [Carlos Quintanilla](/source/Carlos_Quintanilla) had granted Busch a [life pension](/source/Pension) of [Bs](/source/Boliviano_(1864%E2%80%931963)){{nbsp}}2,000 monthly, which he never received.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=309}} He spent his final years in [Portachuelo](/source/Portachuelo), where he died on 3 May 1950. Hollweg states he died of [pneumonia](/source/pneumonia), but Brockmann says that his family does not know the cause of death.{{sfnm|1a1=Hollweg|1y=1995|1p=333|2a1=Brockmann|2y=2017|2p=323}} His remains are entombed in the Kiyoto–Busch family [mausoleum](/source/mausoleum) in La Paz.{{sfn|Heinrich|2005|p=50}} An [eccentric](/source/Eccentricity_(behavior)) figure, described by historians as equal parts [philanthropic](/source/philanthropic) and cruel, accounts of Busch's life are steeped in [folklore](/source/folklore) and often contradictory. His legacy is closely intertwined with that of his son, Germán.{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|p=20}} For Brockmann, Busch was an "intrepid pioneer{{nbsp}}... to whom Bolivia also owes the exploration of many rivers ... at a time when such an adventure required valor and temerity".{{sfn|Brockmann|2017|pp=20–21|loc="Su propia vida es la de un intrépido pionero{{nbsp}}... a quien Bolivia le debe además la exploración de no pocos ríos{{nbsp}}... en una época en que tal aventura requería del valor y temeridad"}} His deeds "left legend in San Javier and Concepción, where with a tall hat, surgical case, and rifle, he waged war against the fearsome [brigand](/source/brigand)s of those regions", recounts [Augusto Céspedes](/source/Augusto_C%C3%A9spedes).{{sfn|Céspedes|1968|p=173|loc="Su coraje dejó leyenda en San Javier y Concepción, donde con sombrero alto, maletín quirúgico y fusil anduvo haciendo guerra a los temibles bandoleros de aquellas regiones"}} == References == === Notes === {{Notelist-lg|30em}} === Citations === {{Reflist}} === Works cited === '''Digital and print publications''' {{Refbegin|35em}} * {{Cite news |ref={{harvid|''AlMinuto'' 12 August 2011}} |title=Fallece hermano del expresidente de Bolivia Germán Busch Becerra |trans-title=Brother of Germán Busch Becerra, Former President of Bolivia, Dies |url=http://alminuto.com.bo/content/fallece-hermano-del-ex-presidente-de-bolivia-germán-busch-becerra |work=AlMinuto.com.bo |language=es |publication-place=La Paz |date=12 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710043725/http://alminuto.com.bo/content/fallece-hermano-del-ex-presidente-de-bolivia-germán-busch-becerra |archive-date=10 July 2012}} * {{Cite news |ref={{harvid|''El Deber'' 22 February 2024}} |last=Fortún V. |first=Juan Carlos |date=22 February 2024 |title=Fallece Herland Vaca Díez; deja un legado en la salud y las luchas cívicas |trans-title=Herland Vaca Díez Dies; Leaves a Legacy in Health and Civic Struggles |url=https://archive.org/details/el-deber-20883/page/n3 |work=[El Deber](/source/El_Deber) |language=es |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |page=5}} * {{Cite news |ref={{harvid|''El Deber'' 15 July 2017}} |last=Herrera |first=Ricardo |date=15 July 2017 |title=Descendientes de Busch, contra el libro de Brockmann |trans-title=Descendants of Busch Against Brockmann's Book |url=http://www.eldeber.com.bo/escenas/Descendientes-de-Busch-contra-el-libro-de-Brockmann-20170714-0108.html |work=[El Deber](/source/El_Deber) |language=es |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715205632/http://www.eldeber.com.bo/escenas/Descendientes-de-Busch-contra-el-libro-de-Brockmann-20170714-0108.html |archive-date=15 July 2017}} * {{Cite web |last=Komori |first=Mirka |date=8 February 2019 |title=Inmigrantes japoneses en Trinidad y Rurrenabaque |trans-title=Japanese Immigrants in Trinidad and Rurrenabaque |url=https://www.bo.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000444231.pdf}} In {{Cite web |title=Exhibición histórica del 120 aniversario de la inmigración japonesa a Bolivia |trans-title=Historical Exhibition of the 120th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Bolivia |url=https://www.bo.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/120exhibicion.html |language=es |publication-place=La Paz |publisher=[Embajada del Japón en Bolivia](/source/Embassy_of_Japan%2C_La_Paz) |page=7}} * {{Cite news |ref={{harvid|''La Razón'' 2 October 2019}} |last=Ortega |first=Erick |date=2 October 2019 |title=Dos, nuevos, disparos sobre la historia de Germán Busch |trans-title=Two New Shots at the Story of Germán Busch |url=http://www.la-razon.com/suplementos/animal_politico/nuevos-disparos-historia-german-Busch-animal-politico_0_3230676915.html |work=[La Razón](/source/La_Raz%C3%B3n_(La_Paz)) |type=suppl. |language=es |publication-place=La Paz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003212024/http://www.la-razon.com/suplementos/animal_politico/nuevos-disparos-historia-german-Busch-animal-politico_0_3230676915.html |archive-date=3 October 2019}} {{Refend}} '''Academic journals''' {{Refbegin|35em}} * {{Cite journal |ref={{harvid|Lijerón|2011}} |last=Lijerón Casanovas |first=Arnaldo |author-link=Arnaldo Lijerón Casanovas |date=June 2011 |title=Tte. Gral. Germán Busch Becerra: La estirpe beniana del héroe legendario |trans-title=Lt. Gen. Germán Busch Becerra: The Benian Lineage of the Legendary Hero |url=http://revistasbolivianas.umsa.bo/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1997-44852011000300004 |journal=Fuentes |language=es |volume=5 |issue=14 |publication-place=La Paz |pages=19–30 |issn=1997-4485 |via=[SciELO](/source/SciELO)}} * {{Cite journal |ref={{harvid|Pinto|2023}} |last=Pinto Cascán |first=Darwin |date=June 2023 |title=El origen del héroe: Germán Busch y su fundamentado nacimiento en Santa Cruz |trans-title=Origin of the Hero: Germán Busch and His Well-Founded Birth in Santa Cruz |journal=Aportes |language=es |volume=1 |issue=34 |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |pages=101–115 |doi=10.56992/a.v1i34.414 |doi-access=free |issn=2306-8671}} {{Refend}} '''Books and encyclopedias''' {{Refbegin|35em}} * {{Cite book |last=Brockmann |first=Robert |year=2017 |title=Dos disparos al amanecer: Vida y muerte de Germán Busch |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6_5HswEACAAJ |language=es |edition=2nd |publication-place=La Paz |publisher={{Ill|Plural Editores|es|Plural editores}} |isbn=978-99954-1-768-0 |oclc=1004307669}} * {{Cite book |last=Céspedes |first=Augusto |author-link=Augusto Céspedes |year=1968 |title=El dictador suicida: 40 años de historia de Bolivia |url=https://archive.org/details/eldictadorsuicid0000cesp |url-access=registration |language=es |edition=2nd |publication-place=La Paz |publisher=Librería Editorial Juventud |oclc=555817706}} {{Open access}} * {{Cite book |last=Crespo |first=Alfonso |year=1999 |title=Banzer: El destino de un soldado |url=https://archive.org/details/banzer-el-destino-de-un-soldado |language=es |publication-place=Buenos Aires |oclc=912814782}} * {{Cite book |ref={{harvid|Heinrich|2005}} |last=Heinrich Balcázar de Suárez |first=Delia |year=2005 |title=Travesía de los inmigrantes alemanes al Beni |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TQTAQAAIAAJ |language=es |publication-place=Trinidad |oclc=172562190}} * {{Cite book |ref={{harvid|Díaz|1957}} |last=Díaz Machicao |first=Porfirio |author-link=Porfirio Díaz Machicao |year=1957 |title=Historia de Bolivia: Toro, Busch, Quintanilla (1936–1940) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zZqWK_EgDfoC |language=es |volume=III |edition=2nd |publication-place=La Paz |publisher=Librería Editorial Juventud |oclc=977770869}} * {{Cite book |last=Hollweg |first=Mario Gabriel |year=1995 |title=Alemanes en el Oriente boliviano: Su aporte al desarrollo de Bolivia (1534–1918) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=STkTAQAAIAAJ |language=es |volume=I |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |publisher=Imprenta Ed. Sirena |oclc=365239192}} * {{Cite book |last=Hollweg |first=Mario Gabriel |year=1997 |title=Alemanes en el Oriente boliviano: Su aporte al desarrollo de Bolivia (1918–1945) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5C3_kQAACAAJ |language=es |volume=II |publication-place=Santa Cruz de la Sierra |publisher=Industrias Gráficas Sirena |oclc=252831173}} * {{Cite book |last=Montenegro |first=Carlos |author-link=Carlos Montenegro |editor-last=Baptista Gumucio |editor-first=Mariano |editor-link=Mariano Baptista Gumucio |year=2015 |title=Germán Busch y otras páginas de historia de Bolivia |url=https://archive.org/details/german-busch-y-otras-paginas-de-historia-de-bolivia |language=es |edition=2nd |publication-place=La Paz |publisher=Librería Editorial LewyLibros}} {{Refend}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/GSV7-QGT Pablo Busch] at [FamilySearch](/source/FamilySearch). {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Busch, Pablo}} Category:1867 births Category:1950 deaths Category:19th-century Bolivian businesspeople Category:19th-century German businesspeople Category:19th-century German explorers Category:19th-century surgeons Category:20th-century Bolivian businesspeople Category:20th-century German businesspeople Category:20th-century German explorers Category:20th-century German surgeons Category:Businesspeople from the Kingdom of Prussia Category:Emigrants from the German Empire Category:Explorers from the German Empire Category:Explorers of South America Category:German expatriates in Bolivia Category:Naturalized citizens of Bolivia Category:Parents of presidents of Bolivia Category:Medical doctors from the Province of Saxony Category:Politicians from the Province of Saxony Category:Republican Party (Bolivia) politicians Category:Surgeons from the Kingdom of Prussia Category:19th-century German surgeons Category:World War II civilian prisoners held by the United Kingdom --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pablo Busch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Busch) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Busch?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.