Jacobo Árbenz 1913 – 1971

Biography

Jacobo Árbenz was born on September 14, 1913, in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, during a transformative period in his nation’s history. His life would span the middle decades of the twentieth century, a time of significant change and challenge throughout Central America and the wider world.

Árbenz rose to prominence as a political figure, serving as President of Guatemala from 1951 to 1954. This period of his leadership marked an important chapter in Guatemala’s modern history, during which he engaged with the nation’s complex political and social landscape.

Following his presidency, Árbenz spent his later years away from Guatemala, eventually settling in Mexico City. He passed away there on January 27, 1971. Upon his death, he was laid to rest at Guatemala City General Cemetery in Guatemala City, Guatemala, returning to his homeland in this final way.