Oswaldo Lopez Arellano

ModernGeneralHonduras1921 — ?

Twice Honduran military ruler.

Compare Oswaldo Lopez Arellano with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1921

Country

Honduras

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)44

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)39

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)39

Total Score46.9

Oswaldo Lopez Arellano — Complete Timeline

1963 AD

First coup: Overthrow of Villeda MoralesPolitical Action◆ Major

López Arellano led a military coup that overthrew President Ramón Villeda Morales, suspending the constitution and banning political parties. He established a military junta, beginning a period of direct military rule in Honduras.

CoupMilitary JuntaAuthoritarianism

Impact: nationaldestructive

1972 AD

Second coup: Overthrow of Ramón Ernesto CruzPolitical Action◆ Major

López Arellano staged a second coup, overthrowing President Ramón Ernesto Cruz, who had been elected in 1971. He justified the coup by citing corruption and inefficiency, and then implemented land reform and economic nationalism policies.

CoupLand ReformEconomic Nationalism

Impact: nationaldestructive

1975 AD

Nationalization of the banana industryPolitical Action◆ Major

López Arellano's government nationalized the banana industry, creating the Honduran Banana Corporation (COHBANA) to compete with foreign companies like United Fruit. This move was popular domestically but led to tensions with the U.S. and multinational corporations.

NationalizationBanana IndustryEconomic Sovereignty

Impact: nationalconstructive