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Oct 20, 1502
Late 1502 - Christopher Columbus claims Caribbean for Spain
On his fourth voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus sailed along the Caribbeans and claimed all of the land for Spain -
Oct 20, 1520
1520's - Subduing the Native Americans
In the late 1520's, there were many Spanish expeditions in order to subdue the Native Americans residing in the Carribeans. -
1668 - Arrival of European Pirates
In the years 1668 and 1670, English, Dutch, and French pirates destroyed Granada, Nicaragua's source of agricultural wealth. -
1750s - Establishment of Elites
In the 1750's, elitist parties were established in the cities of Leon and Granada. However, the two elitist parties were in constant disagreement with Nicaragua's trading policies. -
1821 - Audiencia of Guatemala's independence
In 1821, Audiencia of Guatemala declared independence from Spain and joined Mexico. It was the first step towards Nicaragua's independence. -
1823 - United Province of Central America's Independence
In 1823, the United Province of Central America declared its independence from Mexico. -
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1826-1829 - Civil War in Central America
After declaring the independence from Mexico, the United Provinces of Central America had a weak national government. Thus, from 1826 to 1829, there was a civil war between provinces. (Image is on Word Doc) -
1838 - Nicaragua declares independence
After the federation of provinces dissolved in 1837, Nicaragua declared independence on April 30th, 1838. -
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1930's - 1950's - Somoza Garcia's political stance
From the 1930's to the 1950's, Somoza Garcia constantly changed his political stance to gain support from a variety of areas. This event or action was extremely important to the Somoza regime because it allowed Somoza Garcia, the founder of the regime, to stay in power. He would constantly gain benefits and support from many different groups by changing his political stance. For example, he sympathized with facism while supporting the Allies in WWII, gaining support from the rich and the USA. -
1936 - Juan Bautista Sacasa resigned
In July 1936, Somoza Garcia forced Juan Baustista Sacasa to resign his presidency and then replaced Juan Baustista with himself. This event was important to the shaping of the Somoza Regime because the event was the starting point for the regime. Additionally, the event displayed Somoza Garcia's huge influence and support in politics, a necessary trait in order to lead a nation. -
1956 - Somoza Garcia is assassinated
In September 1956, Somoza Garcia was assassinated by a poor citizen. This event was extremely important during the Somoza Regime because this assassination essentially allowed the continuation of power in the Somoza regime. In addition, the event was proof that the Somoza regime was too corrupt. The disgruntle person only shot Garcia because that person knew about all the benefits that were going into Garcia's pockets as industrialization occurred in Nicaragua. -
1967 - Luis Somoza Debayle dies
In 1967, Luis Somoza Debayle dies of a heart attack. This event was important to the shaping of the Somoza regime because this death allowed Anastasio Somoza Debayle to become president of Nicaragua. Unlike his father or old brother, Anastasio still lacked the skills needed to become president. As a result, by rushing him into presidency when Luis died, Anastasio created a repressive government that threatened the prosperity of Nicaragua. -
1972 - Earthquake in Nicaragua
In December 1972, an earthquake devastated Mangua. This event was important to the shaping of the Somoza Regime because this 1972 earthquake caused many National Guard members to loot the remains while also allowing Nicaragua to receive international aid which eventually landed into the pockets of Anastastio and his government. This behavior shown by the event became the defining reason why almost all political figures "drifted over to the opposition," marking the beginning of Somoza's downfall.
