The Conservative Party originated in the Serviles political group—consisting primarily of merchants and estate owners—representing a strong central government and a continuation of the colonial-era privileges.
During the reign of Captain-General José de Bustamante (1810 - 1817), political struggles resulted in two discernible factions: Conservatives (Serviles) and Liberals (Liberales).
Nicknamed bacos (drunkards) by their Liberal opponents, the Conservatives consisted of estate owners, the Catholic Church, and the monopolistic merchant clique.
Two years later, in 1825, Acre won the first Central American federal election, narrowly defeating Conservative Cecilio del Valle.
Under Carrera, the Conservatives reinstituted various trade monopolies, rigorously opposed British colonization, and brought back laws allowing forced labor.
Six years after Carrera’s death, in 1871, a Liberal revolt led by Justo Rufino Barrios overthrew the Conservative government of Vicente Cerna.
In 1921, following the overthrow of Estrada Cabrera, many remaining Conservative politicians entered into a coalition with anti-Cabrera Liberals, forming the Unionist Party.