Arevalo Bermejo, Juan José (1904-1990)

Guatemalan president 1945-51, elected to head a civilian government after a popular revolt in 1944 ended a 14-year period of military rule. During his years in power, there were more than 20 attempts to oust him. He sought to promote social justice, with labour law and educational reforms, and health projects. He also renewed the dispute with the UK over Belize. However, many of his reforms were later undone by subsequent military rulers.