POLITICS
BY LILY FREMAUX
Before was it’s own nation, Guatemala was part of the United Province of Central America. Central America declared it’s independence from Spain in the July of 1823. The movement was led by upper-class creoles who assembled in Guatemala city for the purpose of declaring independence and later declared Guatemala City the capitol. Similar to many blossoming countries, the United Province of Central America wrote its own constitution. Some of the major systems put in place was they had five presidents for different parts of Central America, that only the upper class was able to vote, and the abolishment of slavery. In addition the Roman Catholic Church also maintained authority.
However, nationalism seemed to begin to break the United Province of Central America into smaller section. A mestizo, personalist leader by the name of Rafael Carrera sized Guatemala city in 1838 which provoked a Civil War that lasted until 1840. Carrera was one of the most influential figures in Guatemalan politics in the 1800s was Rafael Carrera. He was born a poor and illiterate boy who first worked as a farm hand. Carrera and his rural following was frustrated by the liberal government that was currently in place. Since Carrera had the Roman Catholic Church’s support, he was able to lead revolutions that would allow him to take over the country. One of the most unique aspects of this particular revolt is that the people were revolting agaisnt a Liberal government, when usually it is the other way around.In addition, another key aspect that lead to the success of Carrera was due to the support of the Belgium government, in hopes to influence the economy of Central America.
After the Civil War, Rafael Carrera was elected as the first Guatemala president in 1844 how ever Guatemala claimed itself as an independent republic in 1847. His presidency had it’s ups and down. For example, after one year of his presidency, pro-federation liberal drove him into exile because they accused him of not acting on the peoples best interests. However within a couple of months he was ruling again in Guatemala City from the support of the high indigenous population. In addition during his second presidency he was made President for life and had the power to name his successor, similar to a dictator or King.
However, in 1871 the government was engaged in another revolution called the liberal revolution. The main leader of this uprising was Justo Rufino Barrios. He wanted to modernize the country by introducing new crops and manufacturing techniques as well as improve trade. He was also a very ambitious leader that not only wanted to unify Guatemala but all of Central America. However, this dreamed did not become a reality due to unsuccessful warfare.
However, nationalism seemed to begin to break the United Province of Central America into smaller section. A mestizo, personalist leader by the name of Rafael Carrera sized Guatemala city in 1838 which provoked a Civil War that lasted until 1840. Carrera was one of the most influential figures in Guatemalan politics in the 1800s was Rafael Carrera. He was born a poor and illiterate boy who first worked as a farm hand. Carrera and his rural following was frustrated by the liberal government that was currently in place. Since Carrera had the Roman Catholic Church’s support, he was able to lead revolutions that would allow him to take over the country. One of the most unique aspects of this particular revolt is that the people were revolting agaisnt a Liberal government, when usually it is the other way around.In addition, another key aspect that lead to the success of Carrera was due to the support of the Belgium government, in hopes to influence the economy of Central America.
After the Civil War, Rafael Carrera was elected as the first Guatemala president in 1844 how ever Guatemala claimed itself as an independent republic in 1847. His presidency had it’s ups and down. For example, after one year of his presidency, pro-federation liberal drove him into exile because they accused him of not acting on the peoples best interests. However within a couple of months he was ruling again in Guatemala City from the support of the high indigenous population. In addition during his second presidency he was made President for life and had the power to name his successor, similar to a dictator or King.
However, in 1871 the government was engaged in another revolution called the liberal revolution. The main leader of this uprising was Justo Rufino Barrios. He wanted to modernize the country by introducing new crops and manufacturing techniques as well as improve trade. He was also a very ambitious leader that not only wanted to unify Guatemala but all of Central America. However, this dreamed did not become a reality due to unsuccessful warfare.