In 1985, Colombia faced national tragedy as the Palace of Justice began to burn deep into the night of November 6^th. With numerous people dead and a nation in the midst of crisis, the Siege of the Palace of Justice showcased the challenges faced by a nation wrapped in conflict. Colombia is an example of one nation that was not focused on the international dynamics of the Cold War. Colombia faced its own perils domestically following the events of World War II. Due to political infighting, guerilla movements became the primary vehicle for political expression from the 1960s through the 1980s in Colombia that echoed warring political ideologies of the Cold War. Much of the political violence could have been avoided, but the Colombian government was unable to operate proactively because of the political instability of the mid to late 20^th century.