Rafael Carrera, an illiterate but shrewd and…

Rafael Carrera, an illiterate but shrewd and charismatic swineherd turned highwayman, had pledged a vendetta against Central American president Francisco Morazán and the Federal government after undisciplined Federal soldiers had killed some of his relatives.

Local conservative factions had at first tried to use Carrera for their own ends, but by 1838, Carrera has become de facto ruler of much of Guatemala.

Morazán repeatedly chases Carrera's forces out of cities and towns, but Carrera's followers retake places as soon as Morazán's army leaves.

The Carrera revolt inspires other Conservatives to revolt, and soon Central America is at civil war.

Carrera is instrumental in leading the revolt against the Federal government and breaking apart the Central American Union.

Because of the chaotic nature of this period an exact date does not exist, but on May 31, 1838, long after the Central American Federation has ceased to function in practice, the congress meets to declare that the provinces are free to create their own independent republics.

In reality, they are just making legal the process of disintegration that had already begun.