Optional Assessment: Reading a Chronology - Guatemala 1954 - 2011

1954 – The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) supported a coup d’état or overthrow of the Guatemalan government. Jacobo Arbenz was a elected president in a fair election. He tried to return some land to poor farmers. He challenged the power of the U.S. United Fruit Company. The United Fruit Company owned the railroads, sea ports and most of the farm land. The Guatemalan military took over the government. The U.S. supported the military. The military took land away from poor farmers. Voting rights for illiterate Guatemalans, people who could not read, were removed or taken away.

1960 - 1962- Guatemala’s civil war began. The country was under the control of General Miguel Ydigoras Fuentes. He was a brutal leader. A small group of poor farmers started to rebel or fight against the government. The military massacred, abducted, and mutilated thousands of people.

1966 – A civilian president, Cesar Mendez, was elected. The military became stronger and attacked Maya villages.

1970 – The military supported the election of Carlos Arana for president. When Arana won, the country was placed under a “state or siege.” The military had total control over the people. For the next decade or ten year, the military and the governments increased violence against the Maya communities and people fighting against the government.

1981- The Inter-American Human Rights Commission release a report. The Guatemalan government was charged with for illegal executions of thousands of people and “disappearances” or missing persons in the 1970s. Thousands of Maya villages were also destroyed and the people were killed.

1982 - General Efrain Rios Montt took power following a military coup d’état. General Montt threw out the 1965 constitution or laws and got rid of Congress and political parties.

Montt formed local civilian defense patrols – people were forced to work against their communities. This was one of the most violent periods of the civil war. Thousands of Maya civilians were murdered.

1985 – A new constitution was written and elections were held. Montt was kicked out in another coup d’état.

1993 –President Jorge Serrano got rid of the Congress and the Supreme Court. There were very few civil rights. President Serrano then had to quit.

1994 –President Ramiro De Leon Carpio becomes president. He starts peace talks between the rebels, or people trying to change the government. The rebels wanted more human rights.

1996 –Another president, Alvaro Arzu, won an election. Arzu supported peace negotiations. A peace treaty was signed in December of 1996.

2011 - Today Guatemala is led by President Álvaro Colom of the National Unity for Hope. There is still a lot of violence and fear. Organized gangs attack and kill civilians. Many people, especially Maya people, are still very poor.

Sources: The U.S. State Department, Inter-American Commission on Human Right, Human Rights Watch, Commission for Historical Clarification, New York Times, BBC, Frontline

After  reading  the  chronology,  answer  the  questions:    

What  happened  in  Guatemala  in  1954?      

1.    2.    3.    

Why  was  there  a  long  civil  war  in  Guatemala?  

1.    2.    3.    

There  were  many  coup  d’état  in  Guatemala.    Why?  

1.    2.      

Did  the  Guatemalan  military  respect  the  Maya  people?    Why  or  why  not?    

 (Yes)  (No),  the  Guatemalan  military  (did)  (did  not)  respect  the  Maya  people  because  ____          

Would  you  have  supported  the  Guatemalan  military  or  Maya  people?    Why?    

 (Yes)  (No),  I  would  have  supported  the  _____________________  because            

What  might  happen  if  a  country  has  no  constitution  or  laws?  

1.    2.      

How  would  you  describe  Guatemala  from  1954  –  2011?    

1.    2.    3.    

                   

Optional  Assessment:  Water  Cycle  /  Water  Usage    (1) Students are introduced to “Problem-and-Solution Charts” for A Year Without Rain (T101b – T101c). They also look at data, “Compare Populations,” on page 109 / T109. In this assessment, students will use data, or evidence, to solve a problem. (2) Model a problem-solution chart with the reading “Save Water.” Problem: People need water for many things. Fix leaks Wash clothes together Take a short shower

Use a bucket Turn off the water to wash dishes Turn off the water to brush our teeth.

Solution: Everyone can do things to save water. (3) In small groups, students should brainstorm a list of ways to save water. What are ways we waste water? What are some solutions? Use evidence from the charts / graphs to identify the problems and support solutions. Problem: 1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

Solution: (4) In small groups, complete a problem – solution chart. Present the chart to the class.

How much water does it take to produce….

How much water do we use?

Per capita = 1 person