Historical Timeline

Timeline of Guatemala

22 dated events spanning the recorded history of Guatemala.

Chronology

22 events spanning the history of Guatemala. BCE/CE dating.

1523
Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala.
Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala. Alvarado established Spanish rule.
1570
Spain established the Audiencia in Guatemala.
Spain established the Audiencia in Guatemala. It was a high court of judges and administrators. It was headquartered in Antigua.
1776
The Audencia was moved to Guatemala City.
The Audencia was moved to Guatemala City. An earthquake had destroyed Antigua.
1821
Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year.
Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year.
1823
Guatemala broke away from Mexico and formed the United Provinces of Central America.
Guatemala broke away from Mexico and formed the United Provinces of Central America which also include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
1839
Guatemala left the United Provinces of Central America.
Guatemala left the United Provinces of Central America. Rafael Carrerea became the dictator.
1871 – 1944
A number of liberal dictators ruled Guatemala.
A number of liberal dictators ruled Guatemala. They promoted economic growth. They also encouraged foreigners to immigrate to the country.
1873 – 1885
Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios.
Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios, who modernises the country, develops the army and introduces coffee growing.
1906
The United Fruit Company began banana plantations in Guatemala.
The United States company called the United Fruit Company (now Chiquita Brands International) began developing banana plantations in Guatemala.
1941
Guatemala declares war on the Axis powers.
Guatemala declares war on the Axis powers.

1944
Jorge Ubico, the dictator, was forced to resign.
Jorge Ubico, the dictator, was forced to resign and a social and economic revolution began in Guatemala.
1945
A constitution was adopted.
A constitution was adopted. Juan Jose Arevalo became the president. He encouraged education and medical improvements.
1952
The government began to take over privately owned land.
The government began to take over privately owned land and distribute it among landless peasants. Large areas owned by the United Fruit company were taken as part of this government program.
1963
Colonel Enrique Peralta becomes president following the assassination of Castillo.
Colonel Enrique Peralta becomes president following the assassination of Castillo.
1976
A major earthquake struck Guatemala
A major earthquake struck Guatemala causing around 23,000 deaths and $700 million in damage.
1982
General Efrain Rios Montt seized power from Pres. Lucas Garcia.
General Efrain Rios Montt seized power from Pres. Lucas Garcia. Under his 17-month rule the army burned Indian villages and killed thousands of suspected leftists. Montt established the Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG).

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Timeline of Guatemala

Chronology

Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala.

Spain established the Audiencia in Guatemala.

The Audencia was moved to Guatemala City.

Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year.

Guatemala broke away from Mexico and formed the United Provinces of Central America.

Guatemala left the United Provinces of Central America.

A number of liberal dictators ruled Guatemala.

Guatemala ruled by liberal President Justo Rufino Barrios.

The United Fruit Company began banana plantations in Guatemala.

Guatemala declares war on the Axis powers.