Motives behind the military overthrow were reactionary in nature, driven by military fears of a Communist takeover within the country,[2] due to the perceived sympathies of the reformist junta towards Communist and Cuban influence.[3] These concerns were further exacerbated by the visit to Cuba by far-left Salvadoran extremists, spurring the disunited Armed Forces to unify in safeguarding the state from Communism.[2]
On January 25, 1961, the planned military coup, which had the backing of every top army official, was finally executed, ending in the successful deposing of the six-man civilian-military junta. The avowedly anti-Communist Civic-Military Directory that succeeded them permitted the continued activity of all non-Communist political parties ahead of planned congressional elections.[2] Meanwhile, Communist parties were outlawed.[4] The new government promised early elections, social and agrarian reforms, along with close cooperation with the United States.[3] The US promptly extended diplomatic recognition to the military junta on February 15.[1]
Fulfilling their promise to return the country to constitutional government, constituent assembly elections were held in December.[1] On January 5, 1962, the newly drafted constitution was approved by the Constituent Assembly.[1] Three days later on January 8, a provisional president was elected: Eusebia Rodolfo Cordon.[1]
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