Guatemala was once the heart of the Mayan civilization, which flourished until the 10th century AD. When Spanish explorers conquered the region in the 16th century, the Mayans became slaves in their own homeland. They are still
the underprivileged majority of the Guatemalan population.
the underprivileged majority of the Guatemalan population.
In the 1970's, the Mayans started protests against the repressive Guatemalan government. They demanded greater equality and the inclusion of the Mayan language and culture. The Guatemalan government was dealing with increased guerrilla warfare, and blamed the Mayans. In 1980, the Guatemalan government launched "Operation Sophia" against the Mayans, who they believed were supporting the guerrilla movement. (Doyle, K., 2013) The Mayans were the targeted group. The Mayans were abused, tortured, murdered, raped in ways that were horrific. The Mayans still struggle with inequality today in Guatemala.