Progressive Liberal Party (Guatemala)

The Progressive Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Progresista, PLP) was a Guatemalan political party active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It represented a faction within the broader Liberal movement that dominated Guatemalan politics for much of this period. The PLP generally advocated for policies promoting economic modernization, infrastructure development (particularly related to coffee production), and a secular, centralized state. However, the party's platform and influence were often shaped by the personalities and political ambitions of its leaders, and it was frequently involved in factional struggles within the Liberal political landscape. The PLP played a significant role in the political maneuvering and power struggles that characterized the presidencies of figures such as Manuel Estrada Cabrera. The party's influence waned significantly after the fall of Estrada Cabrera in 1920, and it eventually dissolved or was absorbed into other political groupings. Understanding the PLP requires considering the broader context of Liberal dominance in Guatemala during this era, the internal divisions within the Liberal movement, and the impact of authoritarian rule on Guatemalan political development.