Independence

In 1821, Guatemala declared its independence from Spain.  Due to Spain’s economic and political problems, Spain relinquished its claim on Guatemala. (D) This was an easy independence for Guatemala because Spain let go of Guatemala for interest in the new world. (C) 1823 was when Guatemala joined with the new United Provinces of Central America. Under Rafael Carrera, in 1847, Guatemala officially became an independent and sovereign state. (D) Carrera was the first example for the next Guatemala presidents.  (C) Daily life was sharing music, art, and religious festivities within the community. Culturally the official language is now 60% Spanish and 40% Indian dialects. (C) Guatemala has the lowest literacy rate in Central America. Even though Guatemala provides free education, the adult literacy is less than three-fourths. (C) In modern day, there are many universities concentrated in Guatemala, but mostly near the capital. Foreign influences have been a contributing factor of the Guatemalan’s lives, caused mainly by trade exploitation, and foreign intervention in Guatemala’s politics. Guatemala’s trade relationship is mainly with the U.S. Within their economy, the people tried to expand nontraditional exports, establish free trade zones, and assembly plants. Health conditions in Guatemala were poor. Especially in rural areas. Malnutrition was a big theme in addition to the lack of medical services available. The life span of a man is 68 years compared to a woman who can live up to 72 years on average. (A) Housing was more nature friendly; rarely having running water or sanitary facilities, and containing earthen floors. Women worked in the family in addition to the husband. They worked mostly for plants manufacturing garments.  Child labor remained an issue in Guatemala. Specifically within the agriculture topic. There were extreme, hazardous conditions. (D) There was also trade exploitation in mining of copper, quartz, manganese, etc. (D) There was exploitation of soil because of the inequitable distribution of land. The indigenous people were no longer able to support themselves with their own agriculture. (C)

In 1954, Guatemala’s government began the guerilla opposition, leading to a civil war for 36 years. By 1985, the Guatemalan government was under democratic rule, and Guatemala was independent from Spain. Guatemala’s indigenous people were affected throughout the war, but Rigoberta Menchú raised awareness of the natives. [C] The President of Guatemala invited Protestant missionaries to the country as a movement against Catholicism taking over. Half of the population was evangelical by the 1980s, with one-third of the population Roman Catholics. (A)The people lived with foreign influence, religion taking over their government, and had to deal with many peace treaties to settle their mess. Peace treaties were involved in 1996, which mitigated the corruption within the country. (C)