Estrada Cabrera, Manuel

Estrada Cabrera, Manuel (mänwĕl` esträ`thä käbrā`rä), 1857–1924, president of Guatemala (1898–1920). He ruled as an absolute dictator, and there were several revolutionary movements and attempts on his life. Under his rule, Guatemala achieved material progress through advances in agriculture, construction, and public health. Estrada Cabrera gave strong support to education, although teachers were forbidden to criticize his administration. In spite of a ruinous currency system, the country experienced an increase in wealth. A revolution in 1920 forced Estrada Cabrera from office.