The overthrow of Fernando Romeo Lucas García by General Efraín Ríos Montt was a pivotal moment in Guatemalan politics and marked a transition to an even more oppressive authoritarian regime. Lucas García had been in power since 1978, facing an escalating civil war against leftist guerrillas as well as growing criticism for human rights abuses. This turmoil led to a fragile political landscape characterized by military intervention and external influences.

On March 23, 1982, Ríos Montt seized power with the support of military factions that were dissatisfied with Lucas García's handling of the nation's issues including poverty, political unrest, and violence. Ríos Montt immediately imposed martial law and began to implement a controversial policy targeting suspected guerrillas and their sympathizers. This policy resulted in significant human rights violations, including forced disappearances and massacres, particularly in rural indigenous communities.

Ríos Montt's rule was marked by an extreme military focus and brutal tactics against dissenters. Although he was in power for a relatively short period until 1983, his regime's actions had lasting repercussions on the Guatemalan society, entrenching systemic violence and fear. The military coup also highlighted the involvement of international influences in Central America during the Cold War, as the U.S. supported anti-leftist military regimes throughout the continent, solidifying Guatemala's position in this geopolitical struggle.