El Salvador
This collection features materials about El Salvador,
primarily focusing on its post-colonial period and subsequent civil war. El
Salvador has felt the prolonged effects of colonialism since its independence
in 1821. After independence, the country was governed by wealthy families who
controlled the economic stability of El Salvador. Many of our materials focus
on the freedom fighter Farabundo Marti, who led a popular rebellion in the
1930s but was unsuccessful. Between the 1930s and the 1980s, oppressive regimes
continued to control El Salvador and poverty and political violence was common.
Many opposition parties rose as tensions continued to grow. In 1981 five
revolutionary organizations formed to create Frente Farabundo Marti para La
Liberacion Nacional (FMLN) to begin the first major military offensive against
the government. This led to a civil war that lasted from 1981 to 1992.
Throughout El Salvador’s post-colonial period, the oppressive governments were
backed and financially supported by the U.S. in an effort to protect their corporate
interests, and prevent the spread of communism and Marxism.
Documents
El Pulgarcito
Publisher: Comite de Salvarorenos ProgresistasYear: 1977Volume Number: Vol. 2 Edicion EspecialFormat: PeriodicalCollection: El Salvador
Articles in Espanol and English
Boletin Salvadoreno El Pulgarcito
Publisher: Comite de Salvarorenos ProgresistasYear: 1976Volume Number: No. 11 NoviembreFormat: PeriodicalCollection: El Salvador
Articles in Espanol and English
El Salvador in Focus
Date: 10/1/1989Call Number: LA 111Format: CassetteProgram: El Salvador in FocusCollection: El Salvador
Arena Government escalates repression targeting civilians as well as the FMLN. Aerial bombings and ground troop attacks on villages increase in frequency and severity. The FMLN lift their voluntary cease fire in response to the government and military violence. On September 18 the National trade Union of Salvadoran Workers (FINASTRAS) held a protest march in San Salvador demanding the release of union organizers in government custody. Police attacked the protesters with tear gas and beatings. Those arrested reported being tortured. Eight women reported being raped by the police in jail. Meanwhile, In Washington D.C. The U.S. Senate votes overwhelmingly to increase military aid to El Salvador.
Interview with Paul Fitch
Paul Finch, a former Co-Administrator from the Lutheran church in El Salvador, talks about his experience during the war in El Salvador in the 1970s. Finch worked for the children who were displaced after the war, organizing activities for children who were in their shelter with his wife. The Church had open doors for whoever needed help, even when the Army of El Salvador began to settle in the church. He mentions how in the beginning of the war, the Guerillas and the Salvadorian Army used different tactics to attack one another, some more drastic than others. Citizens and anyone who were against the Salvadorian government were being tortured to death. He also discusses how he managed to get out of jail before being killed.
Maria Morales Speech
Maria Morales speaks on women’s issues and her role in founding the women’s movement in El Salvador. Morales provides an introduction to the political situation in El Salvador, details the living and social conditions of women in El Salvador, and discusses her own personal history. Morales touches on a variety of issues, specifically mentioning the lacks of laws governing women’s rights, women’s lack of access to education and the importance of women securing leadership positions in the upcoming elections. Her speech, given in Spanish and translated in English, is followed by a question and answer session.
El Salvador Revista Internacional
Publisher: Frente Farabundo Marti Para La Liberacion NacionalYear: 1981Volume Number: No.4Format: PeriodicalCollection: El Salvador
Oversized
El Salvador Strategies of War Struggles for Peace
Publisher: San Francsico Committee In Solidarity With The People of El SalvadorFormat: ReportCollection: El Salvador
A report that discusses various aspects of El Salvador before and after the war. Topics range from earthquakes to war strategies.
The War in El Salvador Current Situation and Outlook for The Future.
Publisher: Frente Farabundo Marti Para La Liberacion NacionalYear: 1986Format: ArticleCollection: El Salvador
"The war in El Salvador" by Joaquin Villalobos originally appeared in spanish as "El Estado Actual de la Guerra y sus Perspectivas".
Senal de Libertad SIGNAL of FREEDOM
