Guatemala 1954

Synopsis

In 1954 the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) orchestrated the overthrow of Guatemala's democratically elected president, Jacóbo Arbenz. After World War II American leaders were committed to preventing the Soviet Union from spreading communism across the globe. This concern generated much of U.S. policy toward Guatemala during the 1950s. Historians debate whether the intervention in Guatemala was an overzealous attempt to stop the flow of communism or a calculated action to protect American business interests in the region.

Jacóbo Arbenz Guzman. The Library of Congress.

Timeline

• 1935: Second phase of New Deal begins with the introduction of social security, farm assistance, and housing and tax reform.
• 1940: Hitler's troops sweep through Western Europe, annexing Norway and Denmark in April, and in May the Low Countries and France.
• 1945: On 7 May, Germany surrenders to the Allies.
• 1951: Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are...