President of Guatemala. He served, as a member of Guatemala's Revolutionary Party, as President of Guatemala from July 1, 1966 to July 1, 1970. Prior to serving as president, he temporarily quit his legal studies at the University of San Carlos to participate in the 1944 October Revolution. After earning his degree in 1945, he taught at the National University until 1965, rising to dean of the law school. After the mysterious death of his brother, Mario Méndez Montenegro, who was the presidential candidate, he became the substitute for him in the 1966 elections. He won the election promising democratic reforms and the curtailment of military power. He became the only civilian to occupy the presidency during the long period of military rule between 1954 and 1986. However, concessions were made to appease the military and many of his promises were abandoned. He is best remembered for the "scorched earth" rural pacification campaigns led by Colonel Carlos Arana Osorio, who was his successor in office; the kidnapping of Archbishop Mario Casariego in 1968 ;and for the emergence of the Mano Blanca (White Hand) and other right-wing terrorist organizations. His administration did, however, accomplish some notable reforms including the nationalization of the railroad owned by the United Fruit Company. Schools, public hospitals, port facilities, and a major hydroelectric plant were constructed. After leaving office, he became a law professor at the University of San Carlos.
President of Guatemala. He served, as a member of Guatemala's Revolutionary Party, as President of Guatemala from July 1, 1966 to July 1, 1970. Prior to serving as president, he temporarily quit his legal studies at the University of San Carlos to participate in the 1944 October Revolution. After earning his degree in 1945, he taught at the National University until 1965, rising to dean of the law school. After the mysterious death of his brother, Mario Méndez Montenegro, who was the presidential candidate, he became the substitute for him in the 1966 elections. He won the election promising democratic reforms and the curtailment of military power. He became the only civilian to occupy the presidency during the long period of military rule between 1954 and 1986. However, concessions were made to appease the military and many of his promises were abandoned. He is best remembered for the "scorched earth" rural pacification campaigns led by Colonel Carlos Arana Osorio, who was his successor in office; the kidnapping of Archbishop Mario Casariego in 1968 ;and for the emergence of the Mano Blanca (White Hand) and other right-wing terrorist organizations. His administration did, however, accomplish some notable reforms including the nationalization of the railroad owned by the United Fruit Company. Schools, public hospitals, port facilities, and a major hydroelectric plant were constructed. After leaving office, he became a law professor at the University of San Carlos.
Bio by: letemrip
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