Suharto (1921-2008), Indonesia's second president, came to power amid a period of exceptional crisis and bloodshed. His predecessor, Soekarno, had created a highly dangerous antagonistic government composition consisting of nationalists, communists and religious fractions. Another side eager to retain political power, the army, managed to become more influential in politics during the 1950s when it had to break down a number of revolts that threatened to disintegrate Indonesia.