The coup against Carlos Humberto Romero in El Salvador was a pivotal moment that unfolded amidst increasing civil unrest and a surge in guerrilla opposition. President Romero's government had faced extensive criticism for human rights abuses, political repression, and corruption, exacerbating tensions in a society already divided by class and ideological differences. On the morning of the coup, military officers aligned with dissident factions moved to arrest Romero and his close allies, effectively crippling his administration. The coup was not merely a power grab; rather, it was the culmination of decades of political turmoil stemming from socioeconomic disparities and a backdrop of Cold War geopolitics, with U.S. interests deeply intertwined in Central America.

Following the coup, a junta was established, hoping to stabilize the nation and appease varied interests; however, it soon became apparent that revolutionary groups would not be sidelined so easily. The military's response to subsequent uprisings was marked by increasing brutality, catalyzing a full-scale civil war that would last for twelve years. This conflict would draw various social sectors into the fray, including labor unions, indigenous communities, and the Catholic Church, creating a complex environment of alliances and enmities that shaped future generations. As hostilities intensified, the consequences of the civil war would further complicate El Salvador's political landscape and provoke waves of migration and international intervention.

The Salvadoran Civil War left a profound impact on the country, as the brutal conflict resulted in over 75,000 deaths and countless disappearances. Internationally, it drew attention to the U.S.'s role in supporting authoritarian regimes in Central America under the guise of combating communism, culminating in significant shifts in foreign policy and humanitarian aid approaches. The legacies of these events continue to influence El Salvador’s socio-political environment and relations with neighboring countries today.