What was guatemala like before their independece?

The experience of Guatemala before independence in 1821 was different depending on what race and social class you belonged to. If you were Spanish, you were much better off than if you were a Mayan. But generally, Guatemala was a Spanish colony with a Spanish-style status quo and a lot of servitude and prejudice against what were considered lower blood-lines (mixed race or Mayan) and the land was ruled by the Spanish royalty for the benefit of Spain. Lots of violence and human rights violations kept this policy in place.

For a few years soon after independence from Spain, Guatemala was part of a Central American Union with neighboring countries, but in-fighting doomed this arrangement and they became wholly separate nations.

First answer by Enjoying silence. Last edit by Enjoying silence. Contributor trust: 9 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question]