Beginning of the Jorge Ubico Regime

Jorge Ubico's regime in Guatemala, which began with his election in 1931, was marked by authoritarian policies and a response to the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The economic crisis, which started in 1929, severely impacted Guatemala, leading to increased unemployment and unrest among workers. In this context, the landed elite supported Ubico, known for his 'efficiency and cruelty' as a provincial governor. Once in power, Ubico quickly established a repressive government, replacing debt peonage with a harsh vagrancy law that forced landless men to work a minimum of 100 days of hard labor. His administration exploited unpaid Indian labor for infrastructure projects and froze wages at minimal levels. Ubico's government also granted immunity to landowners for actions taken to protect their property, effectively legalizing violence against laborers. The police force was strengthened, gaining authority to shoot and imprison suspected labor law violators. Additionally, Ubico maintained close ties with the United Fruit Company, granting it extensive land concessions while allowing it to dominate the agricultural sector. His admiration for European fascism and militarization of government institutions further characterized his rule, as he sought to align Guatemala with U.S. interests during World War II. Ubico's regime ultimately fostered significant resentment among the populace, setting the stage for future political upheaval. #Mooflife #MomentOfLife #JorgeUbico #Guatemala #GreatDepression #AuthoritarianRegime #UnitedFruitCompany