Democracy In Guatemala

Prior to 1985, Guatemala’s political framework consisted of fragments of a democratic society. In 1839, military dictator Rafael Carrera formed the Republic of Guatemala. However, this was quickly shrouded by militant dictators that elected themselves into office through undemocratic means. Since 1839, Guatemala has seen multiple coup d’états, with very few democratically elected presidents taking office during this time. Additionally, United States intervention in Central America was seen in the 1920’s. During this time, the U.S was thought to help in various coups, including in Guatemala, due to growing communist concerns. Of particular interest is the U.S-backed election of Jorge Ubico, removing an interim government under Lázaro Chacón …show more content…
One such example is the 1935 amendment that forced all male citizens without an adequate income to work for 100 to 150 days a year, incarcerating anyone who did not meet this quota. Additionally, male citizens were forced to pay a highway tax in 1933, with those unable to pay the tax forced to work a minimum of two weeks unpaid labor to construct the roads if they could not pay. To enforce these laws, Ubico generated a rapid increase in state surveillance by hiring spies and using the telegraph networks. At the same time, Ubico was able to use the fear of communism to limit social, political, and economic organizing among workers, creating a culture of censorship. Intent on developing Guatemala, Ubico also gave special interest in U.S companies in Guatemala, creating a slew of human rights …show more content…
The United Fruit Company was the largest tropical fruit company in the world, growing its products in plantations along Central and South America and selling their fruits throughout the United Stated and Europe. Moreover, the United Fruit Company was well connected to the Eisenhower administration, as the company’s executives either held positions or were closely intertwined in the administration. As the company’s sales increased, the United Fruit Company began to expand, eventually holding a monopoly in Central and South American Plantations (Dosal, 1993). Overtime, the United Fruit company’s influence in these countries became so large that it was able to defy national laws while evading international laws (Dosal, 1993). This was exacerbated under the Guatemalan Dictator, as the United Fruit Company gained control to about 42% of Guatemala’s land. Additionally, Ubico’s close relationship with the company and the U.S. resulted in the United Fruit Company’s exemption from paying taxes and import