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Sep 15, 1522
Conqustador Gil González de Ávila founds the Spanish settlement of Nicaragua.
After Nicaragua was settled in 1522, it only took about two years before the first cities (Granada and León) were founded and the settlement began to fully develop. However, it wasn't until 1821 (300 years later!) that Nicaragua gained independence from Spain. In contrast, it took the United States about 170 years to gain independence from Britain.
Source
This website was designed to inform the reader about different countries -
The Rivalry
During the 1750s, two groups of landowners began a rivalry that would impact and shape Nicaragua for the next two hundred years. The rivalry was between the liberal elites of Leon and the conservative elites of Granada. They often fought, sometimes violently. These conflicts often ended in several deaths and the battles became common within Nicaragua. -
Nicaragua declares independence from the United Provinces
The United Provinces was a group of Central American nations that Nicaragua joined two years after independence from Spain (in those two years, Nicaragua was controlled by the Mexican Empire). A new constitution was also adopted at this time.
(http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Nicaragua-HISTORY.html)
This website was designed to provide the reader with general facts regarding different countries. This particular section focuses on key historical events concerning Nicaragua. -
Clayton-Bulwer Treaty Signed
American Cornelius Vanderbilt constantly competed with the British for control of transportation in the area. The Clayton-Bulwer treaty ended these disputes, enabling Nicaragua to develop without as much concern regarding foreign intervention.
(http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Nicaragua-HISTORY.html)
This website was designed to provide the reader with general facts regarding different countries. This particular section focuses on key historical events concerning Nicaragua. -
The Walker Affair
United States Citizen William Walker invaded Nicaragua in 1855. He became president in 1856 and only remained president for a year, and was eventually killed in 1860. However, removing Walker from office was financially exhausting for Nicaragua.
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/william-walker.htm
This is actually a collection of sources regarding Walker. It includes newspaper clippings, photographs, and additional information. Walker's interaction with Nicaragua would shape US relations. -
José Santos Zelaya becomes dictator.
Liberal José Santos Zelaya gains control of the country thanks to a liberal revolt. During his reign as dictator, he improves transportation, coffee plantations, and incorporates some surrounding territory into Nicaragua. In addition, he overthrew the government of Honduras. Link text This source provides general information on José Santos Zelaya but focuses on his interactions with the United States. -
Period: to
The United States
The US continued to grow in influence. In 1921, the president was actually supported by US military. The US remained active and handpicked rulers. Eventually, some citizens of Nicaragua began to oppose the US' control of elections and Gen. Augusto Cesar Sandido resisted with gorilla warfare. FDR withdrew in 1933, after building the Nicaraguan National Guard. Liberal Juan B. Sacasa is elected president. -
Somoza Becomes President
Sacasa remains president for a year. Then the guerrilla hero Sandido is shot. Three years later, Sacasa is unseated by "Tacho" Somoza. Somoza and his family rule for 42 years, and stay in power by editing the constitution to their benefit. -
Anastasio "Tacho" Somoza Garcia Assassinated
After being president from 1934-1956 (With the exception of his temporary retirement in 1947), Tacho was assassinated. His son, Luis, became president immediately with 89% of the vote. He remained president until 1963, when Rene Schick Gutierrez of the National Liberal Party was elected president. Rene eventually died in August 1966, but he was succeeded by Lorenzo Guerrero for a year. In 1967, Luis' younger brother was elected. He made several opposing political parties illegal. -
FSLN Created
"Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional", or FSLN, was a major Nicaraguan group that contributed to overthrowing Somoza Debayle. Over the next several years, the group that originally comprised of university students would provide a great deal of political resistance and eventually overthrow Somoza and lead the entire country.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sandinista
This source was an encyclopedia meant to inform the reader about Sandinista. Provided several recent, relevant pictures. -
Kidnapping!
Guerrillas kidnapped 13 politicians, including members of the Somoza family. The kidnappers were most likely part of the insurgent group- Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional (FSLN). In response, Somozas declare martial law. This simply aggravates citizens and the Somozas began to lose support. Somoza is assassinated on September 17th, 1980 after fleeing the country. -
Pedro Joaquín Chamorro Assassinated
Pedro Joaquín Chamorro was the editor and publisher of "La Prensa," a newspaper that opposed the Somoza. He was assassinated in January of 1978 and although the assassins were never found, most believed (and had reason to believe) that he was killed by the National Guard and the Somoza. This assassination increased opposition of the Somozas. Less than two years later, the Somozas would be removed from power.
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Nicaragua-HISTORY.html -
Somozas Lose Power
In 1979, Somoza lost a great deal of power. All of the US' military support was withdrawn. The church and the business community no longer supported him. In July, Somoza fled the country. He was finally assassinated in Asunción, Paraguay and power was handed over to the Sandinistas. The Sandinistas were a more leftist group, however, they were hardly an improvement. They were also guilty of censorship and rigged elections.
