The Amerindian Experience
by Emma Lee Miller
While the independence from Spain benefitted some, it didn't benefit all. Even after Guatemala became independent from Spain, multiple laws continued to be created and enforced that drove the indigenous people from their lands or forcing them into working on specific jobs. As coffee was 90% of Guatemala’s exports, the natives would often find themselves forced to work on coffee plantations. The mass amounts of land given to companies was so great that it was extremely difficult for Amerindian famers to produce and sell their own goods.
Despite the large number of native people, they were often considered subordinate to the colonizers. This is demonstrated by the blaring power gap between the Europeans colonizers & traders and the Amerindian people. This power struggle still remains today, though less easily noticed.
Today, Guatemala holds one of the largest indigenous population- with 40% of its people belonging to one of the numerous Mayan ethnic groups; many citizens wearing some of the traditional garb in their daily life. It also holds home to the Garifuna people, who arrived in approx. 19th century; the decedents of Amerindian and African peoples.
Despite the large number of native people, they were often considered subordinate to the colonizers. This is demonstrated by the blaring power gap between the Europeans colonizers & traders and the Amerindian people. This power struggle still remains today, though less easily noticed.
Today, Guatemala holds one of the largest indigenous population- with 40% of its people belonging to one of the numerous Mayan ethnic groups; many citizens wearing some of the traditional garb in their daily life. It also holds home to the Garifuna people, who arrived in approx. 19th century; the decedents of Amerindian and African peoples.