Guatemala City, 20 October 2022 (TDI): Guatemala celebrates Revolution Day on October 20 each year to commemorate a landmark moment in the history of the country.
In 1944, the oppressive 10 years long rule of dictator Jorge Ubico was overthrown. The architect of the revolution was the entire nation including workers, teachers, students, and civil society.
The nation as a whole fought against the tyranny of the military dictatorship. The Guatemalan people fought for their freedom.
They protested for their liberty of speech, religion, and movement. The sentiments of the nation against the dictatorship led the country through a revolution.
The Revolution Day of Guatemala changed the political aspects and brought positive reforms and changes into the political sphere.
History of Revolution Day
Guatemalan Revolution took place in 1944. A series of authoritative regimes governed Guatemala for most of its history.
But in 1944 the country was under the rule of a military dictator Jorge Ubico, who had great admiration for the fascist leaders of Europe.
He made unpopular economic decisions that affected the country. The onset of World War II had already deteriorated the economic condition of the country and affected the people at large.
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Due to Ubico’s unpopular decisions over the years, the anger against him and his regime began to rise. The people had enough of his oppressive rule and calls for revolution were heard all around.
The nation refused to endure the law anymore and began to protest against the government. The protestors were supported by a military officer Jacobo Arbenz.
A military coup was carried out and the government was toppled. This is also known as the October Revolution. After the coup, free and fair elections were conducted in the country.
Juan Jose Arevalo won the elections with a clear majority. He was a staunch supporter of progressive social reforms. After coming into power, he implemented various agriculture and labor reforms. These reforms boosted the economy of Guatemala.
