Guatemalan Civil War Pt_ 2

Guatemala: Civil War (1960-1996)

Part II

S TART OF THE CIVIL WAR  After the overthrow of President

Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, the Guatemalan government became ruled by military dictators.

 In the early 1960s guerilla groups emerge following the government's repression. In response, “death squads" begin to emerge and they target alleged

"subversives" for elimination.

THE CIVIL WAR: 1970-1980 In the 1970s, guerrilla and

political leaders, trade unionists and student activists are targeted for murder or "disappearance". Up to one million (mostly) Mayan peasants will be recruited into the “Civilian Civil Defense Patrols” in 1980s. (Frijoles y Fusiles).

U.S. INVOLVEMENT The US begins to supply the Guatemalan Army, claiming it is the guerilla groups who are

responsible for the violence.

EFRAIN RIOS MONTT  In 1982, Efrain Ríos Montt takes control of the country, cancels the constitution, dissolves parliament, and becomes dictator.  The 14 months of Ríos Montt's rule will become the bloodiest in Guatemala's history.

RIGOBERTA MENCHU Guatemalan human rights activist Rigoberta Menchu is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "in recognition of her work for

social justice” in 1992.

END OF THE CIVIL WAR In 1995, guerilla groups declare a

cease-fire. A year later (December 29), guerrilla groups and the government sign the 'Accord for Firm and Lasting Peace.' President Bill Clinton visits Guatemala in 1998 and publicly apologizes for his country's support of Guatemala's past regimes.

“MEMORY OF SILENCE” REPORT  200,000 Killed

 47,000 Disappeared  440 Villages Destroyed  1 Million People Displaced

 250,000 Refugees  95% of the Killing committed by the Military  Over 90% of Human Rights violations committed by Military

 83% of Victims are Mayan