The civil war in El Salvador began in 1980, following a period of intense social and political unrest. The conflict was rooted in deep economic inequality and social injustice, with tensions between the country’s wealthy landowning elite and the poor peasant class. The war was primarily fought between the Salvadoran government, supported by right-wing military forces, and leftist guerrilla groups, most notably the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN).

The conflict intensified after a military coup in October 1979, which overthrew President Carlos Humberto Romero. The coup was led by reformist military officers who aimed to reduce violence and address social grievances. However, the violence only escalated as right-wing death squads and left-wing guerrillas clashed throughout the country.

In December 1980, the situation attracted international attention when three American nuns and a lay worker were brutally murdered by members of the Salvadoran National Guard. This incident shocked the world and led U.S. President Jimmy Carter to suspend military aid to El Salvador temporarily. However, the aid was later resumed under President Ronald Reagan, who viewed the conflict as a key front in the Cold War against communism.

The civil war continued for over a decade, resulting in the deaths of around 75,000 people before peace accords were signed in 1992. The war left a lasting impact on El Salvador, contributing to ongoing social and economic challenges.