Issue and opponent: In 1931, President Jorge Ubico started his rule in Guatemala with the help of the violent enforcement of the secret police. The campaign against the Ubico government started in May of 1944 with a petition of lawyers. The campaign continued through the summer, gaining more attention as Ubico’s regime responded with increasing violence. On June 25, Ubico’s soldiers killed schoolteacher Maria Recinos, which mobilized all of Guatemala City against him.
Dilemma Action: The actions of the President and the killing of Recinos led to the strike in the service, industrial, and commercial sectors of Guatemala City, Brazos Caídos (Fallen Arms). The citizens wanted to shut down the country’s economy and force the President to choose between allowing the strikes to continue, leading to an economic crisis, or using excessive force.
Outcome: In direct response to the strike, President Ubico ordered the deportation of foreigners who closed their businesses. He had members of the opposition follow, and their cars were taken away, and he initiated a police intimidation campaign under the enacted military law. The opposition addressed a letter to the President, stating their unanimous desire that he resign and return constitutional liberties. He resigned to end the petitions for his resignation and restore normalcy to the country on July 1, 1944. The people thought they had solved the problem, but he handed the power over to a military triumvirate, still blocking free elections in the country.