Jorge Ubico Castaneda

ModernGeneralGuatemala1878 — 1946

Guatemalan horseman dictator, efficiency obsessed.

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Quick Facts

Born

1878

Died

1946

Country

Guatemala

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)39

Leadership (15%)71

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score49.8

Jorge Ubico Castaneda — Complete Timeline

1931 AD

Seizure of Power in a CoupPolitical Action

General Ubico led a coup d'

GuatemalaCoupDictatorship

Impact: nationaldestructive

1934 AD

Implementation of Vagrancy LawsReform◆ Major

Ubico enacted vagrancy laws requiring all landless peasants to work a minimum number of days per year on plantations. This system forced indigenous Maya into virtual serfdom for large landowners.

GuatemalaLaborIndigenous

Impact: nationaldestructive

1936 AD

Granting of Concessions to United Fruit CompanyPolitical Action◆ Major

Ubico granted extensive land concessions and tax exemptions to the United Fruit Company (UFC). This strengthened UFC's economic stranglehold over Guatemala and deepened US corporate influence.

GuatemalaUnited Fruit CompanyEconomy

Impact: nationaldestructive

1944 AD

Forced Resignation and ExilePolitical Action

A general strike and popular uprising (the October Revolution) forced Ubico to resign. He fled to the United States, ending his dictatorship. The revolution led to democratic reforms.

GuatemalaRevolutionDictatorship

Impact: nationalconstructive