Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez vs Radomir Putnik

Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez led a military coup that overthrew President Arturo Araujo. He established a dictatorship that lasted until 1944, ruling El Salvador with an iron fist and suppressing dissent through violence.

Martinez ordered the military to suppress a peasant and indigenous uprising in western El Salvador. The army killed an estimated 10,000 to 40,000 people, mostly Pipil indigenous people, in what became known as La Matanza. This event consolidated his power and terrorized the population.

Martinez, a follower of theosophy, enacted policies based on his esoteric beliefs. He banned certain foods, promoted spiritualism, and claimed to communicate with spirits. These policies were widely ridiculed but reflected his unique ideological influence on governance.

A nationwide general strike, led by students, professionals, and workers, forced Martinez to resign and flee El Salvador. The strike was a rare example of nonviolent resistance ending a dictatorship in Central America.

Putnik led the Serbian Army to victories against the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War and against Bulgaria in the Second Balkan War. These wars doubled Serbia's territory and established it as a regional power.

Putnik was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Army. He was responsible for planning and executing military operations during the Balkan Wars and World War I.

Putnik commanded the Serbian Army during the initial Austro-Hungarian invasions. Despite being ill, he directed the successful defense of Serbia, including the victories at Cer and Kolubara.

Putnik led the Serbian Army and government in a winter retreat across the Albanian mountains after a combined German, Austro-Hungarian, and Bulgarian offensive. The retreat saved the army but resulted in heavy casualties from cold, disease, and enemy attacks.