This dissertation examines the effects of politically-motivated violence on popular movements with particular reference to the following three dependent variables: (1) internal organizational structures (2) mobilization strategies, and (3) ideologies and tactics. Guatemalan political violence and campesino organizations between 1954 and 1985 are employed as a case study for this investigation. The dissertation includes an in-depth study of the literature of political violence and revolution, and a discussion of the literature surrounding popular movements. A cyclical model of political violence is developed and applied to contemporary Guatemala (1954-1985). An original history which traces the evolution of rural popular movements during each modern cycle of violence is then provided. This narrative history includes discussions of guerrilla organizations, labor organizations, cooperatives, and broad-front organizations in contemporary rural Guatemala. The changes in the three dependent variables are discussed within the context of this history. The concluding chapter is an analysis of these variables and their relationship to the cycle of violence model
