[2] The previous century was dominated by the growing support of ideas of individual freedom, which characterized the Enlightenment that took place in Europe and the Americas.

[6][7] In the Intendancy of San Salvador, many Creoles and other settlers wanted to separate control of the colony from the Captaincy General of Guatemala, primarily due to economic and political reasons.

However, landholders in San Salvador did not realize the economic power of their holdings until they started instituting the system of widespread cultivation of a lucrative export commodity.

[1] Greater administrative autonomy or outright independence for San Salvador would reduce the high level of taxes paid to Spain and Guatemala and would raise finances for the colony.

The rebels later assembled on the town square outside the church where Manuel José Arce proclaimed in front of the public: "There is no King, nor Intendant, nor Captain General.

In the following days, the independence movement extended to the cities of Santiago Nonualco, Usulután, Chalatenango, Santa Ana, Tejutla and Cojutepeque.

The new Intendant Colonel José Alejandro de Aycinena, arrived on 8 December with Guatemalan troops and priests to force them to swear obedience to the crown and reclaimed the city.

He was once again elected provincial deputy in 1820 when the Spanish Constitution was restored, and on 15 September 1821, he was among those who signed the Act of Independence of Central America in Guatemala City.