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Jan 1, 1502
Discovery of Nicaragua
In 1502, Christopher Columbus discovered Nicaragua and claimed the land for Spain. It wasn't until 20 years later that a conquistador named Francisco Hernández de Córdoba came back and founded the area as Nicaragua. Source: The origin of this source is a tourism website which provides historical information about different places.
http://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/central-and-south-america/nicaragua/history-and-culture -
Buccaneers in Granada
In 1668, pirates from the English, French, and Dutch invaded Granada and destroyed the city. One famous pirate was Gallardillo who proved to be extremely powerful against the Spanish in Nicaragua. Source: The origin of this source website about Nicaragua that provides historical information and tourist information.
http://www.nicaragua.com/blog/the-pirates-of-nicaragua -
Leon vs. Grenada
During the 1750's, the cities of Grenada (conservative) and Leon (liberals) began a long-lasting rivalry throughout Nicaraguan history. They both differed in opinions on things like trading and politics. Additionally, they fought when it came to Nicaragua's independence. Source: The origin of this source is a website that allows different authors to submit articles on various subjects. http://ezinearticles.com/?Introduction-to-the-Rivalry-Between-Leon-and-Granada,-Nicaragua&id=2507911 -
Nicaraguan Independence
Nicaragua gains independence from the United Provinces of Central America after the federation keeping Central American countries together was dissolved. Independence led Britain and the U.S. to fight over imposing spheres of influence to gain control of the transit route in Nicaragua. Source: The origin of this source is a website that contains information about countries from the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress. http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/7.htm -
Jose Santos Zelaya gains control
This marked one of the most controversial periods in Nicaragua's history. He came to power after winning a Liberal revolt. Zelaya was a dictator for 16 years until he was driven out by conservatives with U.S. aid. Source: The origin of this source is a biographical article written by the Encyclopedia Editors on Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Santos-Zelaya -
National Guard Forms
In 1925, the U.S. removed all marines from Nicaragua and a National Guard was formed. The National Guard was commanded by Somoza Garcia who later became president through a rigged election. Source: The origin of this source is an information page about Nicaraguan history on Britannica Encyclopedia.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Nicaragua/Cultural-institutions#ref468220 -
U.S. Troops Return to Nicaragua
Shortly after U.S. Marines left and the National Guard was formed, the Nicaraguan government turned to complete chaos and the U.S. feared a civil war would result in a left-wing victory. Therefore, the U.S. reimplemented troops into the country as they didn't want a repeat of the Mexican Revolution. The U.S. sent Henry Stimson to try to control the war. Source: The origin of this source is an information page from the Library of Congress on Nicaragua http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/10.htm -
Somoza Garcia begins to rise to power
The U.S. removes Marines from Nicaragua and Garcia begins to strengthen the National Guard through his own commands rather than his uncle, president Juan Batista Sacasa. He additionally gained support by owning large portions of the economy as well as having support from the United States. Source: The origin of this source is an information page on the "Somoza Era" from the Library of Congress. http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm -
Somoza Garcia becomes president
Somoza Garcia forces his uncle to resign, and tells Congress to name himself as the new president. He gave the National Guard more power until they controlled mostly every industry. Garcia also supports the Allies during WWII which helps Nicaragua in getting funds for the economy and military from the U.S. Source: The origin of this source is an information page on the "Somoza Era" in the Library of Congress
http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm -
1850s - William Walker takes over Nicaragua
William Walker, a soldier from the United States takes control of the country. His main motive for taking over was because Nicaragua was one of the transit routes other than Panama. Source: The origin of this source is an information page on Walker from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/jackson-lincoln/essays/filibuster-king-strange-career-william-walker-most-dangerous-i -
Assassination
Garcia is assassinated by a citizen in opposition of his regime, with the support of many others who opposed Garcia's rule. Throughout his rule, there were many attempted coups including from members within the National Guard. Luis Debayle takes over as president, and Anastasio Debayle takes over the national guard. Source: The origin of this source is an information page on the Somoza family from the Library of Congress.
http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm -
Anastasio Debayle takes over
Luis Debayle dies and his brother Anastasio takes over as president. Debayle lacked the political skills of his late brother and therefore his regime was greatly opposed due to his inability to rule. Debayle now has complete control of Nicaragua by being president and commander of the National Guard. Corruption in the country continues and support decreases from populists and businesses. Source: This source is from the Library of Congress
http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm -
Debayle flees
Debayle flees Nicaragua due to majority opposition of his rule. Citizens lacked rights and there was no support for any institutions which led the people begin an armed resistance, forcing Debayle to resign and flee. Source: The origin of this source is an information page from the Library of Congress titled "End of the Anastasio Somoza Debayle Era." http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/11.htm
