Manuel José Estrada Cabrera

Manuel Estrada Cabrera took the presidency after the assassination of José María Reina Barrios . He brought stability to Guatemala at the price of often dictatorial rule. He encouraged development of the nation's infrastructure of Highway s, Railroad s, and Sea Port s. The United Fruit Company became an important force in Guatemala during his presidency.

In 1906 Cabrera faced serious revolts against his rule; the rebels were supported by the governments of most of the other Central America n nations, but Cabrera succeeded in putting them down, in part with the help of Mexico 's Porfirio Díaz . Estrada Cabrera continued in power until forced to resign by new revolts in 1920.

Estrada Cabrera's most curious legacy was his attempt to foster a Cult of Minerva in Guatemala. He ordered a number of Hellenic style "Temples of Minerva" built in major cities of the country.

Cabrera's Temple of Minerva, Quetzaltenango, c. 1905

The Architrave is inscribed:

''MANUEL ESTRADA CABERA PRESIDENTE DE LA REPUBLICA A LA JUVENTUD ESTUDIOSA''

("Manuel Estrada Cabera, President of the Republic, to the Studious Youths")

This structure was later destroyed by an Earthquake , but similar Temples in Quetzaltenango and other cities still stand.

SEE ALSO

History Of Guatemala

woot

Information About

Manuel José Estrada Cabrera