ABSTRACT
The reformist stance of the first military administration engendered widespread resistance both domestically and regionally, as Anastasio Somoza grumbled about "communist" land reform in Honduras. Conservative factions in the military were beginning to chafe, while civilian conservatives were finally regrouping. Criticisms over the problems arid pace of recovery after a 1974 hurricane and discontent over reformist policies encouraged junior military officers to assume more active policy roles. While the military leaders solidified greater administrative control over the state, domestic events and crises within Central America made it imperative for Honduran leaders to respond to demands for social and economic changes. The political fallout over the Honduran "bananagate" had facilitated a change in military leaders. The Regional Development Councils were set up to coordinate state and private investments and program implementation; headed by the regional military commander, in effect the development councils extended the military's control.
