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U.S. Removes Marine Presence in Nicaragua
In August 1925, the United States removed its marine presence in Nicragua. A period of conflict and chaos quickly followed, paving the way for Somoza Garcia's rise to power. However, complete U.S. military presence wasn't removed until 1933 (http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/10.htm). This source is a book titled "Nicaragua: A Country Study" written by the Legislative Branch for the Library of Congress. -
Augusto Sandino is Asassinated
While leaving the President's house, Sandino was assassinated by the National Guard who was working in league with Somoza Garcia, eliminating one of, if not the strongest opponent he had. The President at the time was Juan Bautista, Somoza's uncle. Sandino, however, supported Bautista much more than Somoza, supporting his bid for the Presidency in 1926 (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cesar-Augusto-Sandino). This information is from a britannica article on Sandino, an online encyclopedia. -
Somoza Forcefully Takes Power
Somoza Garcia forced his uncle to resign the presidency and ordered the congress to declare him the leader of Nicaragua. His reign, which would last decades, began at this time. Somoza had strong U.S. support and FDR was supposedly quoted saying, "Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he's our son of a bitch" (http://www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/general-somoza-takes-over-nicaragua). This source is a history website with articles and volumes going into detail on various events in history. -
Somoza Garcia's Assassination
Somoza Garcia made many enemies during his rule, and eventually an angry citizen ended his life. He changed the law before his death ensuring that his son, Luis Somoza Debayle, took power. Rigoberto Lopez Perez was the one who shot him- he was a poet and musician who would eventually be considered a hero of Nicaragua (http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/historyofcentralamerica/p/somozagarcia.htm). This source is a history website made to inform and educate people in Latin American history. -
Formation of the Sandinista National Liberation Front
The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) was the group that would eventually be the ones to challenge Somoza Debayle. They formed military opposition that frequently confronted the National Guard. They took control of Nicaragua immediately following Somoza Debayle's removal, and was reelected again in 2006 (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Sandinista_National_Liberation_Front). This source is a factual online encyclopedia designed to provide facts and information on many topics. -
Anastasio Somoza Debayle Takes Power
Anastasio Somoza Debayle became director of the national guard as his brother assumed the presidency. His power increased with Luis' declining health until complete authority was transferred to him. Somoza Debayle graduated from West Point and was Commander in Chief when he took power, giving him great military experience as well as opportunity (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anastasio-Somoza-Debayle). This source is an online encyclopedia article containing facts of Somoza Debayle's life. -
Earthquake
Opposition to Somoza Debayle peaked after an earthquake that destroyed Managua. The National Guard looted the rubble, but their efforts benefited themselves, not the victims. Former supporters joined the opposition, leaving him almost completely alienated. The quake killed over 10,000 and left another 250,000 homeless (http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/earthquake-rocks-managua). This source is an online history page made to inform the public on noteworthy events in history. -
Anastasio Somoza Debayle Flees Nicaragua
After years of violence and conflict, Somoza Debayle fled Nicaragua. Immediately after, the FSLN entered Managua and took control the country. A military junta of five members took over, ending the Somoza reign. Somoza Debayle fled briefly to Miami, seeking U.S. asylum, but moved soon after to Paraguay. He is buried in Miami (http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/nicaragua-history-biographies/anastasio-somoza-debayle). This source is a online encyclopedia providing historical information.
