Mariano Rivera Paz

Mariano Rivera Paz was a central figure in the early history of Guatemala.

He served as the country's first president and its Head of State. Before entering politics, he studied law at the Royal and Pontifical University of San Carlos Borromeo. His leadership occurred during a period of intense political division. The nation was split between two major factions: the Liberals and the Conservatives. These groups held very different ideas about how the government should function. This struggle for power defined the political landscape of the era.

The conflict between these factions often turned into violent military struggles. In 1838, Liberal forces led by Francisco Morazán and José Francisco Barrundia invaded Guatemala.

During this invasion, the Liberal forces executed Chúa Alvarez near San Sur. Alvarez was the father-in-law of the powerful Conservative military leader, Rafael Carrera. This event deeply angered Carrera and his wife, Petrona. They swore they would never forgive Morazán for this act. Morazán used a scorched earth strategy to fight the Conservatives. This involved destroying villages and taking resources to force Carrera's troops into the mountains.

Political shifts in the capital eventually brought Rivera Paz to power. After the invasion, Morazán and Barrundia were welcomed into Guatemala City. They were supported by the state governor, Pedro Valenzuela, and the conservative Aycinena Clan. Morazán used the country's resources to support his political goals. He eventually replaced Valenzuela with Rivera Paz, who was a member of the Aycinena Clan. However, Morazán did not return property that had been taken in 1829. This caused tension, and Juan José de Aycinena y Piñol later voted to dissolve the Central American Federation. This decision forced Morazán to return to El Salvador to fight for his mandate.

While Morazán was away, Rafael Carrera rose to prominence through several battles. Carrera first tried to take Salamá but was defeated and lost his brother, Laureano. He later recovered and won a victory near Petapa. However, he faced setbacks in other locations, such as the fields of Villa Nueva. In one instance, Carrera was forced to surrender to the Mexican General Agustin Guzman in Quetzaltenango. Despite being a prisoner, Carrera received weapons and ammunition from Francisco Ferrera in El Salvador. On April 13, 1839, Carrera used these resources to take Guatemala City by surprise. This victory allowed him to reinstate Rivera Paz as the Head of State.

A major challenge to the central government arose from a region called Los Altos.

In April 1838, a secessionist group in Quetzaltenango founded the independent State of Los Altos. The people of this region were known as Altenses. They were largely supported by the Liberal Party, which was the enemy of the Conservative regime. Los Altos was also a very important economic center for the region. The Conservative government under Rivera Paz attempted peaceful solutions, but they were not accepted. Eventually, the government sent General Rafael Carrera to use force to bring the region back under control.

Carrera successfully subdued Los Altos and imposed a strict Conservative rule. In February 1840, he held a triumphant parade where he displayed captured leaders as trophies of war. Later that year, Morazán attempted a second invasion of Guatemala with 1,500 soldiers.

Morazán hoped to protect the Central American Federation and avenge the loss of Los Altos. Carrera prepared a defense by using messengers to relay information quickly. He used a strategy of surprise and concentrated fire near the Central Park of Guatemala City. This tactical approach caused heavy casualties among Morazán's troops. The defeat was so complete that Morazán was forced into exile in Peru.

The victory in 1840 solidified the power of the Conservative leaders and Carrera. Following the conflict in Los Altos, the government dismantled much of the regionalist Church influence in that area. Carrera's actions helped him gain strong support from the native population. As Rivera Paz continued to lead, he faced increasing pressure from the military leader. In June 1844, hostilities began with El Salvador near the Guatemalan borders. Rivera Paz had to close the borders and use inmates to watch the frontiers. By December 1844, the pressure from Carrera became too great. Rivera Paz submitted his irrevocable resignation to the Assembly and stepped down from his position.