Manuel Estrada Cabrera took the presidency after the assasination of José María Reina Barrios. He brought stability to Guatemala at the price of often dictatorial rule. He encouraged development of the nation's infastructure of highways, railroads, and sea ports. The United Fruit Company became an important force in Guatemala during his presidency.
In 1906 Cabrera faced serious revolts against his rule; the rebels were supported by the governments of most of the other Central American nations, but Cabrera succeeded in putting them down, in part with the help of Mexico's Porfirio Diaz. Estrada Cabrera continued in power until forced to resign by new revolts in 1920.
Estrada Cabrera's most curious legacy was his attempt to foster a Cult of Minerva in Guatemala. He ordered a number of Hellenic style "Temples of Minerva" built in major cities of the country.
See also: History of Guatemala