Page "History of Guatemala" Paragraph 26

The first demonstration of ethnic conflict occurred on October 22, 1944, just two days after Ponce ’ s demise.

Violence occurred at a small town called Patzicia, where about one thousand Indians rose in spontaneous outbursts: “ in honor of our General Ponce ,” and “ we want land .” More than twenty ladinos were killed during this demonstration.

When the Junta learned about this, it reacted swiftly.

They dispatched soldiers and what happened next could only be described as a “ bloodbath .” At least nine hundred Indians were killed and it did not matter whether they were women, children or men.

The Chief of Staff of the Guatemalan army described his actions as an “ act of warning throughout the Republic for any disorders of this nature .”