The Origins of the War
Trinidad analyzes the causes that prompted the war.
Addressing human rights in the wake of human tragedy
The Unfinished Sentences Testimony Archive is composed of oral histories shared by 48 people who were residents of the community of Arcatao, in the department of Chalatenango, El Salvador, during the period of the Salvadoran civil war. More than 170 interview excerpts tell the story of the civil war from the perspective of people who experienced it first-hand. The testimonies are organized into thematic “Chapters” that focus on different aspects of the conflict in roughly chronological order.
Due to the nature of the experiences discussed in the testimonies, users may find the contents of the archive disturbing: topics include rape, torture, death, and severe hardship. On the other hand, the archive also features narratives of resilience, survival, and mutual assistance in triumphing over adversity.
Trinidad analyzes the causes that prompted the war.
Obdulio connects the origins of the war to the injustices that the Salvadoran government put its people through.
Edwin explains how state respression of movements for change led to the decision to take up armed struggle.
Explore all videos in Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
Toribio describes an invasion and aerial bombing campaign that happened between 1980 and 1981.
Obdulio explains the reasons that led people to organize.
Arminda remembers experiencing the first bombings as a child and being so curious she wasn’t even scared.
Explore all videos in Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
Toribio remembers how he and his family survived the 1982 “May Guinda”.
Rosa remembers the “May Guinda” in 1982 and how she and her family managed to survive.
Rufino describes the first time he was forced to leave home with his father in order to escape from the National Guard.
Explore all videos in Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
Rufino remembers when his family decided to flee towards a refugee camp in Honduras during a military operation called “El Carreño.”
Lucía describes how people were organized at the Mesa Grande refugee camp and why she finally decided to return home.
Amanda decides to flee with her children to the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras after her husband was killed in 1986.
Explore all videos in Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Rufino explains that he lost his hand during a training exercise with the guerrilla, but continued to serve as a combatant and bodyguard.
Edwin describes being sent by his superiors to do logistical work for the guerrilla in Honduras.
Edwin describes his first experiences in armed political activity and how he was wounded during a large military operation led by the Salvadoran Armed Forces with the participation of Guatemalan forces.
Explore all videos in Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Toribio remembers the 1986 invasion of Arcatao, known as the “Desembarco”, and how he and his family fled town to hide in a cave.
Rosa relates her experience of the 1986 invasion, which took place shortly after she and her family had resettled in Arcatao.
Adán relates the 1986 invasion of Arcatao and describes combat between the guerrilla and military.
Explore all videos in Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Trinidad explains the military did not fully abide by the Peace Accords during the resettlment process.
Herlindo reflects that El Salvador has made progress following the war.
Reflecting on the Peace Accords, Evangelina sees connections between the violence of yesterday and today.
Explore all videos in Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
Rosa explains her philosophy of struggle for social change.
Edwin speaks of various means of achieving justice for survivors of the armed conflict.
Dionisa demands justice and accountability for those who committed crimes.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice