The Origins of the War
Trinidad analyzes the causes that prompted the war.
Testimony Archive
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. Interviews were conducted during November 2013 through August 2014. 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.
Chapter 1: Pre-war & The Origins of the War
El Salvador’s civil war has its roots in the deeply unequal social structures established during the 16th century Spanish colonization of Central America.
Causes of the War
Herlindo shares his view on the causes of the Salvadoran civil war and the general consequences that armed conflicts bring about.
Causes of the War
Cástulo shares his thoughts on the causes of the war, the injustices and oppression he witnessed, and how that fueled political organization.
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Chapter 2: Rural Organizing & Repression
The 1970s saw escalating tensions and growing violence in El Salvador.
Organizing, Repression & Exhumations
Lucía remembers early experiences as a girl attending political meetings with her parents, and the killing of her mother and others; and reflects on exhumation process.
Organizing & Repression
Víctor remembers a few iconic moments of his political involvement prior to the armed conflict: the 1975 student massacre, his participation in the UTC, and his experience of detainment and torture by the National Guard in 1976.
Early Political Participation
Alberto describes his early days of political participation as a student and explains how the National Guard used blacklists as repression intensified.
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Chapter 3: The Years of "Guindas"
During the 1980s, thousands of people were displaced from their homes by violence in rural El Salvador.
The Sumpul River massacre
Rufino remembers the efforts people made to cross the Sumpul River during the “May Guinda.”
The “May Guinda”
Gregorio remembers the deployment of 14,000 Salvadoran and Honduran soldiers during the 1982 “May Guinda”, and contrasts this with later military operations.
The “May Guinda”
Carlota remembers fleeing with her newborn during the “May Guinda” in 1982.
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Chapter 4: Refugee Experiences
Faced with overwhelming violence, displaced populations faced difficult decisions about whether to leave El Salvador, and when to return. Some people sought safety elsewhere within the country.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Isidora recalls her experience in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras, describing how activities within the camp were divided up between people living there.
The Mesa Grande Refugee Camp
Evangelina describes living conditions in the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras.
Refuge in Mesa Grande
Amanda decides to flee with her children to the Mesa Grande refugee camp in Honduras after her husband was killed in 1986.
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Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Salvadorans who supported the guerrilla groups had a wide range of reasons for doing so, and varied experiences in the movement.
Surviving Military Operations
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.
Role in the Guerrilla
Maximina explains her sister’s and her role in the guerrilla during the armed conflict.
Joining the Guerrilla as a Cook
Carlota explains how she joined the guerrilla as a cook.
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Chapter 6: Resettlement & the "Desembarco"
Many Salvadorans returned from refugee camps in Honduras in the late 1980s, but faced continued repression upon their return. Refugees were stigmatized as guerrilla supporters.
The 1986 Invasion of Arcatao
Marta narrates her experience of the 1986 invasion of Arcatao, at a time when she was pregnant, and how her husband was killed by the military.
The Embroidery Group
Hermelinda remembers how a nun’s initiative helped prompt a community embroidery group in 1989.
The “Carreño” and the “Desembarco”
Isabel remembers the 1986 invasion known as the “Desembarco” happened only a few days after the “El Carreño” military operation.
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Chapter 7: Peace Accords & Post-War
El Salvador’s civil war officially ended in 1992, but the country continues to experience deep divisions and ongoing issues of inequality, insecurity, violence, and lack of access to justice.
Historical Memory
Santiago points out the importance of historical memory as a valuable legacy for future generations.
Message to Other Countries
Juana urges governments around the world to prevent the destruction and pain caused by war.
The Peace Accords
Walter explains that combat between government forces and the guerrillas intensified during the negotiation of the Peace Accords.
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Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice
Today, survivors of grave human rights violations committed during El Salvador’s civil war continue to struggle for truth and justice.
Exhumations
Rosa comments on the importance of having the remains of her two grandmothers exhumed.
The Importance of Exhumations
Isabel reflects on the importance of exhuming the remains of civil war victims.
Importance of Exhumations
Berta relates how her youngest son died and describes her wish for his prompt exhumation.
Explore all videos in Chapter 8: The Struggle for Justice