Summary of Chapter 7 & 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summary of Chapter 7 & 8 - Essay Example During the late 19th century, the government used to force people to work in its coffee plantations, which accounted for a significant portion of its exports. Most of the reforms that have been established over the years have fallen due to dictatorship and frequent unrests. The CIA has been involved repeatedly in the violence experienced in Guatemala and in determining its leaders by overthrowing others. Some leaders have also resigned after the armed forces failed to protect them. In spite of an improvement in economic performance during the second phase of the 20th century, levels of unemployment continued to increase and poverty persisted due to unequal wealth distribution. In the urge to control the population, civilian murders increased to approximately 300 people per month. At the same time, the government perpetrated terrorism acts both towards the civilians and the opposition. Peace talks did not bear fruits for a long period as the government continued to victimize the citizens and the rebels. Whenever the US was involved in armed conflicts in the nation, it was blamed for the most violations of human rights. Several elections in the 19th and 20th centuries led to violence and presidents being overthrown following rigging allegations. Even after the end of the civil war, violence worsened especially in 2004 when an estimated 2,000 civilians, mostly women, were killed. The other crime forms exhibited in 2013 included corruption, drug trafficking, impunity, and extra judicial killings. Contemporary Guatemala has continued to experience persistent poverty and economic problems. The state of political landscape appears to be improving starting with p rosecution of presidents due to corruption. Rios Montt, a former head, was prosecuted and is presently serving 80 year sentence for genocide and crimes against humanity. However, organized crime persists in addition to trafficking of drugs. Guatemala remains a