Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes

ModernGeneralGuatemala1895 — 1982

President who allowed CIA training for Bay of Pigs.

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Quick Facts

Born

1895

Died

1982

Country

Guatemala

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)24

Political (20%)72

Influence (20%)69

Legacy (20%)57

Leadership (15%)75

Strategy (15%)53

Total Score61.3

Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes — Complete Timeline

1958 AD

Became President of GuatemalaPolitical Action◆ Major

Miguel Ydígoras Fuentes assumed the presidency of Guatemala after winning a disputed election. He was a general and former ally of dictator Jorge Ubico, and his rule was marked by authoritarianism and corruption.

PresidencyGuatemalaAuthoritarianism

Impact: national

1960 AD

Allowed CIA Training for Bay of Pigs InvasionPolitical Action◆ Major

Ydígoras permitted the CIA to use Guatemalan territory to train Cuban exiles for the Bay of Pigs invasion. This decision aligned Guatemala with US anti-communist policy and deepened Cold War tensions in the region.

Cold WarCIABay of Pigs

Impact: regional

1963 AD

Overthrown by Military CoupPolitical Action◆ Major

Ydígoras was overthrown in a military coup led by Defense Minister Enrique Peralta Azurdia. The coup occurred just before scheduled elections that would have allowed former president Juan José Arévalo to return from exile.

CoupMilitaryGuatemala

Impact: nationaldestructive