his presidency, the Guatemalan currency was stabilized, but Guatemala suffered the effects of the Great Depression in 1929. Stroke and resignation In December, 1930 the following events occurred in a rapid succession: On 12 December, General Chacón suffers a stroke that forces him to resign. General Mauro de León, first designated successor to the Presidency apparently resigns. Lawyer and cabinet member Baudilio Palma, second designated successor, is appointed interim President. On 17 December 1930 a coup d'etat led by general Manuel María Orellana Contreras forces Palma to resign after a short battle inside the Presidential Palace. During the fight, that lasted no more than an hour, both Palma and Mauro de León died. The Liberal Progresista party places general Roderico Anzueto in the key position of Chief of Police. On 2 January 1931 José María Reina Andrade is appointed interim President, after the foreign nations representatives refuse to deal with Orellana Contreras and calls for presidential elections. On 7 February 1931, general Jorge Ubico Castañeda wins the elections and is sworn as President. The Liberal Party joined with the Progressives to nominate Ubico as Andrade's successor, and although he was the only candidate on the ballot, he received 305,841 votes on February, 1931. In his inaugural address, he pledged a "march toward civilization". Once in office, he began a campaign of efficiency that included assuming dictatorial power. Death Chacón died in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on 9 April 1931 at age 57 as a consequence of his stroke. Additional information His granddaughter Josefina Chacon de Machado was a magistrate and President of the Guatemalan Supreme Court. His grandson Carlos Gilberto Chacon Torrebiarte was also magistrate and President of the Guatemalan Supreme Court. Notes and references Notes References Bibliography Presidents of Guatemala Vice presidents of Guatemala 1873 births 1931 deaths Guatemalan generals People from Zacapa Department 20th-century Guatemalan people