Guatemala was ruled by General Jorge Ubico from 1931 to 1944. During his reign, Ubico created a widespread network of spies and informants and had large numbers of political opponents tortured and put to death. Ubico implemented a system of debt slavery and forced labor to make sure that there was enough labor available for the coffee plantations, which was their primary export.
The dictator gave away hundreds of thousands of hectares to the United Fruit Company (an American corporation that traded in tropical fruit, primarily bananas), exempted them from taxes in the municipality of Tiquisate, and allowed the U.S. military to establish bases in Guatemala.
Palace Hotel
Sixth Street Scene
Cathedral de Guatemala Antes
