Jorge Ubico

Jorge Ubico y Castañeda (November 10, 1878; ? 14 July, 1946) was President of Guatemala from 14 February, 1931 to 4 July, 1944. Ubico is widely considered the last of the Liberal authoritarian rulers in Latin America.

Related Topics:
November 10 - 1878 - 14 July - 1946 - President of Guatemala - 14 February - 1931 - 4 July - 1944 - Latin America

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President Jorge Ubico was elected democratically, but once in office he assumed dictatorial powers. During his presidency Guatemala went through the Great Depression. He built an extensive network of roads and modernized local administrations, including health and school facilities. His methods, however, were authoritarian. He harshly suppressed opposition and engineered constitutional changes twice to extend his term as president.

Related Topics:
Democratically - Guatemala - Great Depression

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Under Ubico the United Fruit Company became the most important company in Guatemala. The company received import duty and real estate tax exemptions from the government, and controlled more land than any other individual or group, along with the sole rail road, the electricity producing capabilities, and the port facilities at Puerto Barrios on the Atlantic coast.

Related Topics:
United Fruit Company - Puerto Barrios

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Ubico was forced to resign by a general strike against him which started in June of 1944.

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He died in exile in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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See also: History of Guatemala

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Preceded by:

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José María Reina Andrade

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Presidents of Guatemala

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Succeeded by: Juan Federico Ponce Vaides

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