Second Central American Civil War

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The Second Central American Civil War (1838–1840) was a struggle between those who wanted to keep Central America as a single federation and those who wanted independent nations. It ended with the breakup of the Federal Republic of Central America.

How it started
- In May 1838, Costa Rica’s government, led by Braulio Carrillo after a coup, took control and declared the country’s sovereignty.
- Around the same time, other states began to move away from the federation. Honduras and Nicaragua faced changes, and Guatemala’s liberal government faced strong resistance from conservative groups.

Key players
- Unionists (federalists) were led by Francisco Morazán, who tried to keep Central America united.
- Separatists included Rafael Carrera in Guatemala, Francisco Ferrera in Honduras, and José Trinidad Cabañas (a Morazán ally who later fought in Honduras).

What happened during the war
- Carrera’s movement in Guatemala grew strong, retaking cities Morazán had taken.
- In 1839, Morazán defeated Ferrera’s forces at Espíritu Santo (April 5) and again at San Pedro Perulapán (September 25).
- Cabañas invaded Honduras and captured major cities but was forced back; Morazán’s side could not hold the region together.
- By early 1840, Morazán was defeated in Guatemala, and Cabañas was defeated in Honduras, signaling the end of the federation.

Aftermath and breakup
- The federation dissolved as separate nations: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica each formed independent states.
- El Salvador declared its independence from the federation in early 1841.
- Foreign powers took advantage of Central America’s instability: Britain occupied Roatán in 1839, and Mexico occupied Soconusco in 1842.
- Morazán made one last attempt to reunify the region by invading Costa Rica, where he was executed, ending the last effort to restore Central American unity.