| Inauguration of Julio César Méndez Montenegro, a civilian, as president. He was allowed to take power only after agreeing to let the military control internal security. The Constitution of Sept. 15, 1965, restored a democratic regime, but led to further polarization between the Left and the Right. Guatemala's notorious right-wing death squads, known as the Mano Blanca, emerged at this time. | 1 |
| Proclamation of a state of siege, due to the rapid spread of guerrilla activity. Under the leadership of figures such as Yon Sosa, the guerrillas called for agrarian and social reform, and a return to democracy. In response to the guerrilla activity, thousands of peasants in northern Guatemala were killed by Guatemalan, Mexican, and American troops. Kidnapping, murder, and torture became government staples. | 2 |
