-
900
End of the Mayan Civilization
After their civilization collapsed, the Maya abandoned their cities and some even died. No one quite knows what the cause of the collapse was. -
Jul 25, 1524
First Capital of Guatemala
During the colonial period, Guatemala was a part of New Spain now known as Mexico. Guatemala's first capital Villa de Santiago de Guatemala, now Tecpan Guatemala, was founded on July 25, 1524. -
Guatemalan Independence
On September 15, 1821, the Captaincy General of Guatemala (an administrative region of countries under the Spanish empire) officially declared independence from Spain. -
Guatemala Becomes a Republic
After Rafael Carrera was elected as Guatemalan governor in 1844, later in 1847 he became its first president as Guatemala declared itself to be an independent republic. -
President Vicente Cerna y Cerna
This man was president of Guatemala from 1865-1871. He was seen by some as a leader who was unorganized and selfish; however his political and military presence made him powerful. -
"Liberal Revolution"
In 1871, Justo Rufino Barrios led said revolution in Guatemala. He hoped to modernize the country, improve trade, and introduce new industries. -
Guatemalan Revolution
After replacing Jorge Ubico, General Juan Federico Ponce Vaides was force out of office by a coup that killed about 100 people. -
Major Earthquake
This earthquake destroyed many cities and caused more than 25,000 people to die. The poor were especially affected by the earthquake because there housing was substandard. -
Government Overthrown
After several years of civil battle, the government was overthrown and General Efrain Rios Montt became president. The war continued during his presidency. -
End of the Guatemalan Civil War
The war ended with a peace accord between different guerrilla groups and the government. It was negotiated by the United Nations.