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Independence from Spain
The Mexican Empire declared its independence from Spain under the newly appointed emperor, Agustin de Iturbide. Upon the declaration of independence, the Mexican Empire included what is today Nicaragua. This source's origin was a site that focuses solely on the history of Mexico. This is important because the information is not limited to the history of Nicaragua. Link: http://mexicanhistory.org/firstempire.htm -
Independence from the United Provinces of Central America
This nation had a weak central government and strong provincial governments. Following a civil war, the nation was dissolved and Nicaragua gained its independence. It fell due to political instability between the liberals and the conservatives and not being able to unify the provinces. The origin of this source is from a country studies website. This is important because it provides information on why the nation was unsuccessful. Link: http://countrystudies.us/el-salvador/5.htm -
Ousting of William Walker
William Walker was what was then known as an American filibuster. It is someone who engages in unauthorized warfare against a foreign country. He entered the country and quickly consolidated power. It took invasions from all of Nicaragua's neighbors, the royal navy, and an invasion from the US marines. This set a precedent for US involvement in the country. The origin of this source is from an institute of American history. Link: http://tinyurl.com/hgmw5cd -
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Jose Santos Zelaya
This ruler of Nicaragua was an extremely controversial leader. After he seized power in 1893 he managed to improve and modernize the infrastructure of Nicaragua, but also at the same time he is known for being a ruthless dictator. He expanded the economy and opened the country up to foreign investments. The origin of this source is from an encyclopedia. This is important because it is more focused on the facts of him as president Link: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Santos-Zelaya -
Withdrawal of US Forces (1925)
After the ousting of president Zelaya, the US forces continued to stay in the country to help maintain stability. After WW1, the US adopted an isolationist foreign policy and the troops were withdrawn from Nicaragua in August of 1925. Before leaving, the National Guard was established. After this event, the country broke out into chaos as the conservative vs liberal fighting resumed. The origin of this source is from a country studies site. Link: http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/10.htm -
Withdrawal of US Forces (1933)
After the US sent troops back into the country and stopped most of the rebelling factions, the Great Depression put pressure on president Hoover to withdraw the forces again. This created a power vacuum that was filled by Somoza Garcia, the director of the National Guard. This was the start of the Somoza dynasty. The origin of this source is from a country studies site. Link: http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/10.htm -
Somoza Garcia Consolidation of Power
After consolidating power from his position as the director of the National Guard in Nicaragua, Somoza Garcia finally forced his uncle to resign from the presidency and instructed the congress to appoint him as his uncle's replacement. This was how Somoza Garcia came to power and started the Somoza dynasty in Nicaragua. The origin of this source came from an encyclopedia. This is important because it focuses mostly on the facts. Link: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anastasio-Somoza -
Assassination of Somoza Garcia
This event marked the point when the power in the country shifted from Somoza Garcia to the director of the National Guard, his eldest son, Luis Somoza Debayle. His younger son, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, assumed the position of director of the National Guard following his father's death. When the eldest son died, Anastasio seized power and ruled until 1979. The origin of this source is from a country studies site. Link: http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm
