The coup against Juan Federico Ponce Vaides was a landmark event in Guatemalan history, marking the onset of a ten-year period known as the Guatemalan Revolution. Ponce Vaides, who had ruled as an authoritarian leader since 1942, faced growing discontent among military officials and progressive movements that advocated for political reforms and greater social equity. The coup was orchestrated by a coalition of military officers, students, and other civil society actors who were fed up with the oppressive conditions and lack of political liberties under Ponce's government. On the night of October 19, troops began mobilizing, and by the following day, key government positions had been seized, quickly leading to the president's exile.In the immediate aftermath, the coup leaders sought to consolidate their power and establish a government more reflective of the people's demands for democracy and justice. The impact of this coup was profound; it opened the doors for significant political changes, including land reforms and increased labor rights. This period led to the emergence of a more left-leaning government that aimed to address the historical inequalities in Guatemala, particularly concerning the indigenous population. Citizens once silenced under the dictatorship began to organize and express their aspirations for a better society.However, the revolution also laid the groundwork for subsequent conflicts, as the right-wing response to reform efforts would eventually push the country toward civil war. The initial excitement of the revolutionary changes gradually gave way to violence and repression as various factions vied for control. The 1954 CIA-backed coup that would follow would be a direct response to the revolutionary government, demonstrating the international stakes involved in Guatemalan politics during the Cold War.