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Jan 1, 1502
Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to visit the coast of Central America
1502
Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to visit the coast of Central America -
Jan 1, 1522
The first Spanish explorers, led by Gil Gonzalez de Avila, arrive and establish colonies in what is now Nicaragua
1522
The first Spanish explorers, led by Gil Gonzalez de Avila, arrive and establish colonies in what is now Nicaragua -
American William Walker becomes involved in the civil war and seizes control of Nicaragua, declares himself president, and legalizes slavery
1856
American William Walker becomes involved in the civil war and seizes control of Nicaragua, declares himself president, and legalizes slavery -
General José Santos Zelaya takes control of the country, setting up a dictatorship and keeping a tense relationship with the United States
1893
General José Santos Zelaya takes control of the country, setting up a dictatorship and keeping a tense relationship with the United States -
Augusto César Sandino launches attacks on U.S. troops in Nicaragua, hoping to encourage them to leave
1927
Augusto César Sandino launches attacks on U.S. troops in Nicaragua, hoping to encourage them to leave -
General Anastasio Somoza orders Sandino to be killed
1934
General Anastasio Somoza orders Sandino to be killed -
General Somoza becomes president, starting the 43-year Somoza dictatorship
1936
General Somoza becomes president, starting the 43-year Somoza dictatorship -
General Somoza is assassinated; his son Luis Somoza Debayle becomes president, continuing his father’s tradition of corruption and strict control of the country
1956
General Somoza is assassinated; his son Luis Somoza Debayle becomes president, continuing his father’s tradition of corruption and strict control of the country -
The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) is established to try to remove the Somozas from power
1961
The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) is established to try to remove the Somozas from power -
Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, a leader in the fight against the Somozas, is murdered, sparking a strike and uniting many Nicaraguans with the FSLN
1978
Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, a leader in the fight against the Somozas, is murdered, sparking a strike and uniting many Nicaraguans with the FSLN