Guatemala History Timeline & FactsSouth America - Concise History of the Mesoamerican civilisations Mesoamericans were the ancient civilisations of South America which is now divided into 12 independent countries consisting of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The diverse civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica included the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. The Mayans empire covered Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Click the following link for details of the ancient South American / Mesoamerican Civilisations History Timeline & Facts Concise Guatemalan Facts, History & Timeline The indigenous Guatemalan inhabitants were the Mayans 1523 - Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala Pedro de Alvarado established Spanish rule 1540 - Indigenous Guatemalan population crushed and Guatemala becomes a Spanish colony under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala 1776 Spain encompassed all of its territories in south-east South America to create one large colony called the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata 1810 - Overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon 1821 - Guatemala gains independence from Spain 1821 Guatemala became a part of the Mexican empire 1823 Guatemala broke away from Mexico 1823 The United Provinces of Central America was formed of the five Central American states under General Manuel Jose Arce 1823 - Guatemala becomes part of the United Provinces of Central America, which also includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua 1840 - Guatemala becomes fully independent following the dissolution of the United Provinces of Central America 1840 - Rafael Carrerea takes control as the first of many Guatemalan liberal dictators up to 1945 1945 A Guatemalan constitution was adopted which was subsequently amended on several occasions Guatemala History Time line |