Guatemala: Civil War (1960-1996)

1
Guatemala Civil War (1960-1996) Part II
2
START 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.

3
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).

4
U.S. INVOLVEMENT

• The US begins to supply the Guatemalan Army,
  claiming it is the guerilla groups who are
  responsible for the violence.

5
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.

6
RIGOBERTA MENCHU

• Guatemalan human rights activist Rigoberta Menchu
  is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "in recognition
  of her work for social justice in 1992.

7
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.

8
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