Colonial Experience

The Spanish did not find gold in Guatemala. The business of growing and shipping cotton, tobacco, and chocolate was Guatemala's contributions to Spain. (A) The Spanish founded Antigua and Guatemala City. Antigua was named the capital of Guatemala, but in 1773 an earthquake destroyed the capital. (A) Guatemala City became the new capital. Over the span of two centuries, Guatemalan society was under colonial rule. (A) There were a mixture of cultures from a variety of foreign influences within Guatemala. The Spanish caused religious conflict. The Spanish were strict Roman Catholics, and they demolished the ancient gods and temples. The Indian culture was not eradicated, but incorporated the Spanish culture, and kept the Mayan beliefs. Later, the church’s power began to rival the Spanish government. The missionaries were sent back to Spain.