Issue and Opponent: In April of 1944, after President Martinez suspended the constitution and declared he would serve a third term without elections taking place, students organized a general strike that crippled most of the economy and civil society.
Dilemma Action: Students organizing the strike called for hospitals, courts, public works, and transportation services to join and effectively shut down the country. In addition, students handed out typed flyers in a chain letter fashion, and each recipient was to create and distribute ten more. Ultimately, bus and taxi drivers joined in, schools shut down, and organizing committees were formed. Other professionals, such as dentists, pharmacists, lawyers, and engineers were also part of the general strike.
Outcome: President Martinez stepped down four days later, as martial law was being disobeyed and he was losing control over the country. The general strike completely paralyzed Salvadoran society until he was deposed. Martinez had to flee to Guatemala, where he would stay in exile.