Guatemala

On September 15, 1821, Guatemala declared independence from Spanish rule as part of the broader independence movements across Central America. This declaration marked the end of over 300 years of colonial rule. Initially, Guatemala joined the First Mexican Empire but soon became part of the United Provinces of Central America, before eventually becoming an independent republic.

On June 25, 1944, the Guatemalan Revolution began with the resignation of President Jorge Ubico, following widespread protests against his authoritarian regime. This led to a series of events culminating in the October Revolution, which ousted his successor and led to the establishment of a democratic government. The revolution was marked by social unrest and the involvement of various political groups seeking reform.

In 1954, a CIA-backed coup d'état was conducted in Guatemala, orchestrated by the United States under Operation PBSUCCESS. The intention was to overthrow the democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz, who was seen as a threat due to his agrarian reform programs. This coup led to a series of military and authoritarian governments in Guatemala and long-lasting political instability.

On February 4, 1976, a devastating earthquake struck Guatemala, with a magnitude of 7.5. The earthquake caused significant destruction across the country, resulting in the deaths of over 23,000 people and leaving approximately 1 million others homeless. Infrastructure and homes were severely damaged, and the response highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness and response strategies.

The town of Flores, in the northern department of Petén, was recaptured by Guatemalan government forces on December 29, 1979, after having been occupied by insurgent forces. This counteroffensive was part of the broader counter-insurgency strategies during the Guatemalan Civil War, aiming to dismantle rebel stronghold areas and reduce insurgent influence in key regions.

The Guatemalan Civil War, which lasted for over 36 years from 1960 to 1996, came to an official end on December 29, 1996, with the signing of the peace accords. The war was characterized by a brutal conflict between the government and various leftist rebel groups, resulting in widespread human rights violations and the deaths of approximately 200,000 people, primarily indigenous Mayans.

On April 26, 1999, U.S. President Bill Clinton apologized for America's role in the violence during the Guatemalan Civil War. In remarks during a visit to Guatemala, he acknowledged that U.S.-backed forces had been involved in widespread human rights abuses. This apology represented a significant diplomatic gesture towards reconciling for past U.S. interventions in Central America.

On September 3, 2015, Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina resigned amidst accusations and evidence of corruption related to a customs fraud network known as La Línea. This scandal led to massive public protests and political upheaval in Guatemala, highlighting issues of corruption and governance within the country, and it brought significant international attention to Guatemala's political struggles.

On June 3, 2018, Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala erupted violently, causing widespread destruction and the loss of at least 190 lives, with many others injured and missing. The eruption impacted nearby communities, covering them in volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows. This natural disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities of communities living near active volcanoes,and the need for effective emergency response systems.

On August 20, 2023, Guatemala held its presidential election, which saw Bernardo Arévalo win the presidency in an unexpected victory, marking a significant political shift in the country. Arévalo, representing the progressive Semilla party, faced various obstacles during his campaign, including judicial challenges and political opposition. His victory represents a potential change in addressing corruption and social issues.