LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Guatemala
built 642 days ago
After Guatemala declared war on the Axis powers in 1941, the large German-owned coffee holdings were expropriated. Popular discontent led to Ubico's overthrow in 1944 and his replacement by Juan José Arévalo. Arévalo launched a series of labor and agrarian reforms that were continued by Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán, who succeeded him in 1951. A law expropriating large estates angered foreign plantation owners, particularly the United Fruit Company. As Communist influence in the Arbenz government increased, relations with the United States deteriorated. In 1954 the United States aided the anti-Arbenz military force that placed Col. Carlos Castillo Armas in power.
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Guatemala was conquered by the Spaniards under Pedro de Alvarado between 1522 and 1524. Up to the years 1837-1839 its history differs only in minor details from that of the neighbouring states of Central America (q.v.). The colonial period was marked by the destruction of the ancient Indian civilization, the extermination of many entire tribes, and the enslavement of the survivors, who were exploited to the utmost for the benefit of Spanish officials and adventurers. But although the administration was weak, corrupt and cruel, it succeeded in establishing the Roman Catholic religion, and in introducing the Spanish language among the Indians and Ladinos, who ... obtained a tincture of civilization and ultimately a desire for more liberal institutions. The Central American provinces revolted in 1821, were annexed to the Mexican empire of Iturbide from 1822 to 1823, and united to form a federal republic from 1823 to 1839. In Guatemala the Clerical, Conservative or antiFederal party was supreme; after a protracted struggle it overthrew the Liberals or Federalists, and declared the country an independent republic, with Rafael Carrera (1814-1865) as president.
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Through the signing of a peace accord in 1996, which ended 36 years of civil war in Guatemala, a major obstacle to foreign investment was removed. Guatemala's widespread political violence and corruption... continue to dampen investor confidence. By limiting investor confidence, the faith in the value of the quetzal and capital inflows are likewise limited.
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The lives of the young workers at the Legumex factory in Guatemala are about to change for the better. On Sunday, March 18, the highly respected independent Guatemalan human rights organization, CEADEL, had its first face-to-face meeting with Legumex management which resulted in an agreement that will bring many significant and positive changes to the Legumex factory.
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Christmas and Easter are two of the most widely celebrated holidays in Guatemala. The days before Christmas are filled with parties and various festivities, including decorating homes with manzanillas (small, yellow fruits) and watching fireworks. Tamales and punch are often served on Christmas Eve.
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Only a Child was created by George Leger in 1994 when he traveled to Guatemala to reach out to homeless children. It now provides a home for young men and it operates a carpentry shop that is run by the kids themselves. The program ... offers a variety of educational opportunities to give the kids every possible chance to one day lead productive lives.
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