The 1979 Military Coup in El Salvador

Name: The 1979 Military Coup in El Salvador
Start: 1924-10-15
Location: Unspecified

The Rise of Tension in El Salvador

Challenges Faced by President Carlos Romero

In the late 1970s, El Salvador was engulfed in political turmoil. President Carlos Romero, who had come to power in 1977, faced increasing criticism for his administration's human rights abuses and failure to address economic inequality. As social unrest grew, protests erupted across the country, leading to a tense atmosphere that foreshadowed the impending military coup.

The Build-Up to the Coup

The escalating violence and opposition against the Romero administration caught the eye of the military establishment. El Salvador witnessed a wave of assassination of political dissidents. The military, deeming Romero's approach to governance ineffective, prepared to intervene, marking a shift towards military power in the government.

The Military Coup and Carlos Romero's Escape

The Coup Begins

On October 15, 1979, the coup was executed swiftly. Romero, finding himself isolated and facing pressure from military officers, chose to flee the country. His departure marked not only the end of his presidency but also a significant transition in Salvadoran politics towards active military control.

The Aftermath of the Coup

With Romero gone, a Revolutionary Government Junta was established, indicative of a change in leadership. This period soon led to the Civil War in El Salvador, which lasted from 1980 until 1992, as leftist guerrilla groups rose in opposition to the military regime. The coup initiated a cycle of violence, major human rights violations, and further unrest in the country.

Fun Fact

The Day of the Coup

Interestingly, the 1979 coup and Romero's flight marked the beginning of a decade-long conflict that became one of the most significant events in Central American history, influencing U.S. foreign policy and engagement in the region.