Act of Independence of Central America

Background. By the turn of the nineteenth century, unique regional identities had formed in Central America, though the authority for self-governance each region held was less discernible. The dominance of Guatemala City and the wider area of Guatemala, which held the seat of the captaincy general and a large population of Peninsulares, contrasted with less prosperous regions such as Comayagua, Nicaragua, San Salvador, and Costa Rica, each holding varying degrees of loyalty to the Spanish crown. The American and French Revolutions, Peninsular control over Central America, and Spain's role in the Peninsular War set the stage for independence movements.

Political Context. The removal of Ferdinand VII inspired revolts in El Salvador and Nicaragua for greater autonomy. The Liberal Triennium beginning in 1820 allowed Central American provinces to reestablish elected councils, which became focal points for constitutionalist and separatist sentiments. In 1821, the provincial council of Guatemala began openly discussing a declaration of independence from Spain.

Signing and Aftermath. The Act was proclaimed in Guatemala City in September 1821, declaring independence from the Spanish Empire. The Provincial Council invited other provinces to send envoys to a congress to decide the form of the region's independence, establishing a legal framework for separation. After the Act's ratification, Guatemala City became the capital of the newly organized independent United Provinces of Central America.