In 1919, it became obvious that Francisco Bertrand would refuse to allow an open election to choose his successor. This course of action was opposed by the United States and had little popular support in Honduras. The local military commander and governor of Tegucigalpa, General Rafael López Gutiérrez, took the lead in organizing PLH opposition to Bertrand. López Gutiérrez also solicited support from the liberal government of Guatemala and even from the conservative regime in Nicaragua. Bertrand, in turn, sought support from El Salvador.
In 1919 it became obvious that Francisco Bertrand would refuse to allow an open election to choose his successor This course of action was opposed by the United States and had little popular support in Honduras The local military commander and governor of Tegucigalpa General Rafael López Gutiérrez took the lead in organizing PLH opposition to Bertrand López Gutiérrez also solicited support from the liberal government of Guatemala and even from the conservative regime in Nicaragua Bertrand in turn sought support from El Salvador