Background
Carrera was born on 24 October 1814 in the Candelaria barrio of Guatemala City towards the end of the Spanish colonial period.
Carrera was born on 24 October 1814 in the Candelaria barrio of Guatemala City towards the end of the Spanish colonial period.
He became known during the anticlerical Liberal revolt against President Morazán of the Central American Confederation in 1837. Ten years later, after Morazán was overthrown and the Confederation dissolved, Carrera imposed himself as president of Guatemala. He was twice elected, and in 1854 became perpetual president, serving until his death in 1865.
Carrera was illiterate and gained a reputation for reaction and cruelty.
In 1835 he married Petrona García.
