Federation of Central America (1921-1922)

Origins

For the hundredth anniversary of independence, delegates of the five Central American states signed a Pact of Union at San José in January 1921. Costa Rica did not ratify it and Nicaragua withdrew, but Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras went ahead, and a constituent assembly in Tegucigalpa adopted a federal constitution in September 1921.

Rule and society

The constitution provided for a federal council, congress and courts, with the member states keeping control of most domestic affairs. A provisional federal council met in Tegucigalpa while institutions were set up, but the new federation had little money or authority, and member governments were wary of surrendering power.

Decline and legacy

In December 1921 a coup in Guatemala brought General José María Orellana to power, and in January 1922 he withdrew Guatemala from the federation. El Salvador and Honduras followed, and the federation dissolved in early 1922. It was the last formal attempt at Central American political union.