THE «FOOTBALL WAR»: THE SALVADOR-HONDURAS CONFLICT OF 1969

Abstract

In the article investigated the causes and course of the conflict between El Salvador and Honduras in 1969, as well as the consequences of the conflict on integration processes in the region. It was noted that the cause of the Salvador-Honduran conflict was in the problems of land reform in Honduras and demographic problems in Salvador; also, in territorial disputes that lasted between the two countries; as well as the uneven development of Salvador and Honduras. In addition, the press of both countries contributed to the aggravation of the crisis, and violence against Salvadorans in Honduras and against Hondurans in Salvador during football matches. In 1969, relations between the two countries deteriorated due to the forced deportation of Salvadorans from Honduras, whom the Honduran government had agreed two years earlier to accept in their country and provide them with land to cultivate. The problem of the deportation of Salvadorans, which was difficult to integrate into Salvador’s economic life due to limited land resources and Salvador’s population overpopulation, posed a number of challenges for the Salvador government. Consequently, the deportations of Salvadorans from Honduras, territorial disputes between the two countries, and Honduras’ economic backwardness from Salvador provoked conflict. The article states that the conflict between Salvador and Honduras resulted according to various sources from 2 to 6 thousand killed civilian and military casualties on both sides; significant number of Salvadorans (according to various sources, from 60 to 130 thousand refugee) who were forcibly deported from Honduras or fled for fear of their future; Honduras and Salvador have suffered significant industrial and social damage as a result of the bombing. However, Honduras suffered more losses, as most of the hostilities took place in Honduran lands; the social situation in Salvador has deteriorated, and the government has been unable to address the economic and social needs of Salvadorans deported from Honduras; Honduras has officially closed its border with El Salvador, thus hindering the circulation of Salvador’ products in Honduras. Thus, the Central American Common Market terminated its regional economic cooperation project; under the rule of both Salvador and Honduras, the political participation of the military was strengthened.