Justo Rufino Barrios vs Mikael of Wollo

Justo Rufino Barrios, after coming to power, implemented sweeping liberal reforms. These included the separation of church and state, confiscation of church lands, establishment of secular education, and promotion of coffee cultivation for export.

Barrios oversaw the construction of roads, telegraph lines, and railways, particularly to support coffee exports. He also promoted immigration and foreign investment, transforming Guatemala's economy.

Barrios was killed in battle at Chalchuapa, El Salvador, while leading an invasion to forcibly reunify Central America. His death ended the unification attempt and preserved the sovereignty of the individual Central American states.

Barrios unilaterally declared the reunification of the Central American republics by force. He issued a decree proclaiming himself supreme military commander of a unified Central America, leading to war with neighboring states.

Mikael, originally an Oromo Muslim noble named Mohammed Ali, converted to Christianity and adopted the name Mikael. He allied with Emperor Yohannes IV, who appointed him Ras of Wollo, making him a key regional power broker.

Ras Mikael commanded a large contingent of Oromo cavalry at the Battle of Adwa, where Ethiopian forces decisively defeated the Italian army. His troops played a crucial role in the victory, which secured Ethiopian independence.

Mikael supported his grandson, Lij Iyasu, as heir to Emperor Menelik II. After Menelik's death, Mikael became a powerful regent, but Iyasu's controversial policies led to his deposition in 1916, weakening Mikael's position.