ECONOMY
BY LILY Fremaux
Guatemala did not have the same economic policies in the beginning of the 19th century as the end of the century. Before 1823, Spain was a major part of Guatemala’s economy due to the their subjugation to Spain. Guatemala exported raw materials, including indigo, to Spain. In exchange, Spain shipped them, as well as their other colonies manufactured goods. This pattern can be seem thorough out the American colonies.
After the revolution however, the economy underwent changes since Spain was no longer Guatemala's main trade partner. However, a new European power would replace Spain. Belgium was very influential not only in Guatemala’s economic but political history. Belgium aided Rafael Carrera’s revolution against the United Providence of Central America. Their main motive for assisting him was to become the main economic allie of Guatemala. They remained economically vital to Guatemala until 1854. They withdrew to financial issues as well as the outbreak of yellow fever and malaria in certain Latin American regents.
The economy of Guatemala was very different under Justo Rufino Barrios' rule than it was under Rafael Carrera's. By 1880 the cultivation of coffee beans made up 90% of exports in Guatemala. Coffee still remains the largest export of Guatemala however the export of sugar, banana, beef, and clothing has increased. However this lead to poor wages to workers, which is a common trend of the Capitalist system.
After the revolution however, the economy underwent changes since Spain was no longer Guatemala's main trade partner. However, a new European power would replace Spain. Belgium was very influential not only in Guatemala’s economic but political history. Belgium aided Rafael Carrera’s revolution against the United Providence of Central America. Their main motive for assisting him was to become the main economic allie of Guatemala. They remained economically vital to Guatemala until 1854. They withdrew to financial issues as well as the outbreak of yellow fever and malaria in certain Latin American regents.
The economy of Guatemala was very different under Justo Rufino Barrios' rule than it was under Rafael Carrera's. By 1880 the cultivation of coffee beans made up 90% of exports in Guatemala. Coffee still remains the largest export of Guatemala however the export of sugar, banana, beef, and clothing has increased. However this lead to poor wages to workers, which is a common trend of the Capitalist system.