Background
Rafael Carrera was a Central American soldier and conservative president of Guatemala. He became known during the anticlerical Liberal revolt against President Morazan of the Central American Confederation in 1837. Ten years later, after Morazan 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.