Colonial Era of Guatemala

Colonial Era, Independences, and Republican Era

1. Colonial Era

Results of the Conquest in Mexico

The dominant pre-Hispanic peoples, with an advanced political and social structure at their peak, understood and accepted their military defeat and submitted to a stronger enemy.
They were not exiled. Their colonization and later development produced high productivity in food and economy, resulting in a strong sense of national identity and political dependence.

Their independence united them, made them stronger economically and politically, and highly prosperous.

Results of the Conquest in Guatemala

The dominant pre-Hispanic peoples were already in social decline, with strong political, social, and territorial divisions, which made the conquest faster and more violent.
They were exiled. Their colonization and development was difficult and never became as productive, resulting in severe shortcomings for indigenous peoples in every sense.

Their independence did not change the way life had been lived in the territory for centuries.

Arrival of European Settlers

As throughout history, the dominated peoples were exploited by stronger invaders, who imposed new laws, customs, and culture.

Consolidation of Spanish Power

Four Spanish capitals were established:

Villa de Santiago de los Caballeros founded by Pedro de Alvarado
Valley of Almolonga
Valley of Panchoy (settled on March 16)
Valley of La Ermita or Las Vacas (October 22, 1776)

The last one changed its name to Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, where independence was also forged.

Royal Audiencia of Guatemala

The Audiencia was an entity similar to an embassy of the empire.

First Audiencia: 1511 in Santo Domingo
Audiencia of Guatemala: established on November 20, 1542 in the Kingdom of Guatemala

Capital: Santiago de los Caballeros
Highest Authority: Governor and/or Captain General

Territories granted:

Chiapas, Tabasco, Soconusco, and southern Yucatán in Mexico
Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica

Note: Panama did not belong to the Kingdom due to its dense jungle.

The Audiencia reported to the Council of the Indies, which administered the colonies in the Americas and the Philippines.
In 1553 Yucatán and Tabasco passed to the Audiencia of Mexico.
Due to the corruption of Governor Juan Núñez, territories were lost.

Thanks to the efforts of Francisco del Valle Marroquín and Fray Bartolomé de las Casas, King Philip II restored the status of Captaincy General and Royal Audiencia, transferring the capital to the city of Santiago on March 3, 1570.

The Captaincy General of Guatemala (1570)

It depended on the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Mexico) or the Royal Audiencia of Mexico.

Political and Administrative Organization

Reductions: areas for control, exploitation, and evangelization, administered by religious orders.
Encomiendas: areas granted as compensation to conquerors, including indigenous labor.
Doctrinas (Doctrines): religious spaces for teaching Christianity, literacy, and behavioral norms.

Mercedarians to the north
Franciscans to the south
Dominicans to the east
Jesuits to the west
Parish at the center

New settlements were created in a grid layout with north-south avenues and east-west streets, organized around a central plaza that brought together civil, religious, and military authority.

Economic Activities Introduced

Blacksmithing
European livestock (chickens, pigs, cattle)
Construction
Agriculture (sugarcane, coffee, etc.)
Religious art
Mining (silver and iron, as there was no gold in Guatemala)
Clothing and footwear

Historical Milestones of Antigua Guatemala

First city planned before being built (urban grid).
More than 30 churches, convents, and monasteries in the colonial era.
Residential water system with clay pipes.
Title of “The Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala.”
4th printing press in the Americas (1660).
7th oldest university: USAC, founded in 1676 by Francisco Marroquín (originally the College of Santo Tomás de Aquino in 1562).
First Christmas nativity scenes in the Americas, introduced in 1651 by Pedro de San José de Betancourt.
First processions in the Americas (1543).

2. Two Independences

Independence from Spain

1776: 13 colonies of North America gained independence with support from Napoleon Bonaparte.
1804: Haiti became independent; movements in Gran Colombia.
1810: Argentina, Chile, and Mexico began independence processes.

In the Captaincy General of Guatemala, prior to 1821:

Independence groups were formed, influenced by printed news.
Debate arose over whether to unite with the Mexican Empire.

Key Events:

1821: Agustín de Iturbide consolidated the First Mexican Empire.
July 2, 1823: Independence of the provinces of Central America was proclaimed, creating the Federal Republic of Central America.

3. Republican Era (1824 – 1944)

Federal Republic of Central America (1824–1839)

Federal constitution in November 1824.
Costa Rica joined.
Chiapas annexed to Mexico.
The capital was moved to El Salvador.
The federation collapsed in 1838–1839 due to wars and economic interests.

Republic of Guatemala

March 21, 1847: Guatemala became a republic after the dissolution of the Federation.

Constant struggles between liberals and conservatives.
Conflicts between the Catholic Church and the State.
Little social and economic development.

Dictatorship of Rafael Carrera (1844–1865):

Mestizo and conservative military leader.
Ally of the Church and protector of the indigenous peoples.
Promoted exports of coffee, cattle, rubber, and indigo.
Historical mistake: recognition of British sovereignty over Belize (Wyke-Aycinena Treaty).

Liberal Revolution (1871–1873)

Led by Miguel García Granados, who overthrew Vicente Cerna.

Established current national flag and coat of arms.
Expelled Jesuits and expropriated lands.

Justo Rufino Barrios (1873–1885):

Modernized the economy: railroads, mortgage credit, civil and military codes.
Promoted secular and compulsory education.
Died attempting to reunify Central America.

Transition to Modern Times (1885–1931)

11 presidents without significant social progress.
Influences of World War I and World War II.

Dictatorship of Jorge Ubico (1931–1944)

Military and political leader, controversial figure.
Economic development, infrastructure, and fiscal surplus.
Political repression and censorship.
Resigned on October 20, 1944 after the start of the Revolution.