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Sep 18, 1502
Colonization
On his fourth voyage to the America's, Christopher Columbus lands in Limon amid 2000 or so native people with distinctive cultures. Called the "Rich Coast" by the spaniards, Costa Rica proves to lacking in material riches and bewteen it;s lack of resources and the hostile natives, colonization takes place slowly. -
Under Spanish Rule
Cosat Rica was under Spanish rule for 300 years. It was kept under Spanish control Captaincy General of Guatemala under a military governor -
Spanish Rule Ends
Spanish rule ends and Costa Rica becomes a part of Mexico for until 1823, then a part of the United Provinces of Central America -
Tomás Guardia
Tomas Gurdia brought economic rogress to Costa Rica, at the expense of civil liberties. He expanded the railroads, connecting trade and revved up the export of coffee, sugar, and bananas. He also constructed schools. -
First Democratic Elections
Costa Rica Holds it's first Democratic elections in 1888. After a long history of foreign rule and border disputes, elections are mostly honest and democratic, with some exceptions. Federico
Tinoco's dictatorship in 1917-19 and Jose Figueres' armed revolt contesting a presidential election asnd starting the Costa Rican Civil War -
Costa Rican Civil War
Lasting 44 bloody days, 2000 people died fighting in protest of a fruadulent presidential election. Rebel army Commander Jose Figueres defeated the corrupt government and formed a provisional government, he ruled for over a year. During his rule, the military was abolished and a new consittution formed. -
New Constitution
During Jose Figueres leadership of the Junta government, a new constitution was formed that ended politcal violence in Costa Rica. It abolished the military and created suffrage for all Costa Rican Citizens. Figueres was, and is still considered, a National Hero today -
Unitede States Partners with Costa Rica to conserve rainforests
The united states has been Costa Rica's most important trading partner and accounts for half of all exports and tourism. In the largest agreement of it's kinds, the United States helped reduce Costa Rica's debt in exchange for conservation of rainforests. The act is known as The Tropical Forest Conservation Act