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Jan 1, 1502
Columbus Discovers Nicaragua
Upon his fourth voyage to America, Columbus discovers Nicaragua while sailing along the Caribbean Coast. He later claimed the entire area for Spain -
Buccaneers and the English Invade
Buccaneers from England capture and destroy the city of Granada, which was the main area for agricultural wealth. Nicaragua was now a protectorate of England. -
Audiencia of Guatemala
Audiencia of Guatemala declared independence from Spain and became part of the Mexican Empire. This would inspire Nicaragua to eventually do the same. -
Nicaraguan Independence
Nicaragua declared independence after efforts to centralize power leading to a Civil War from 1826-1829 -
William Walker in Nicaragua
William Walker was solider from the United States. In efforts to get rid of him, Nicaragua asked the British Navy to intervene. This would be the first of many times that the United States would be called to settle domestic disputes. -
Jose Santos Zelaya Comes to Power
Marked the beginning of Jose Santos Zelaya's rule. He was dictator who would hold power for sixteen years. There was much opposition against him, however, he was responsible for the creation of a powerful army. -
Zelaya Driven From Power
The United States drove Zelaya from power. This would lead to the United States stationing marines in Nicaragua as well as lending money to the country under the conditions that the banks would have complete control of Nicaraguan customs. -
Campaign Against Military Prescence
1927-1933 Guerrillas led by Augusto Cesar Sandino campaign against US Military presence, which would lead to President Hoover removing the marines in 1933.
https://vianica.com/go/specials/16-augusto-sandino.html
ViaNica is a site that allows one to research the history of Nicaragua as well as learn about the culture and plans trips to the country. -
Somoza Garcia Rise to Power
Following the departure of the United States, Garcia rose to power. He forced his uncle to resign as President and became the replacement. This would led to four decades of Somoza dynasty -
Assassination of Somoza Garcia
During his presidency, Garcia had heavy security and protection. However, while attending a party held by the Nicaraguan Socialist Party, Garcia was wounded by Rigoberto Perez who bypassed security and died eight days later.
Garcia is buried with his son in Nicaragua, even though he died in Panama, which was under the United State's control. http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/anastasio-somoza-garca-5875.php This source supplies a list of important dates and legacies of famous people. -
Cuban Revolution
Under Luis Somoza Debalye, Nicaragua condemned the Cuban Revolution led by Castro and accused him of attempting to overthrow the Nicaraguan government. Because of this Nicaragua gained support from the US and they would play a part in the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. A group of Cuban exiles left in B-26 bombers from Nicaragua and conducted an airstrike on Cuba. http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/bay-of-pigs-invasion This website is known for supplying information of important dates. -
Kupia-Kumi Pact
Due to much opposition, Somoza Debayle created a three member junta called the Kupia-Kumi Pact that wold rule from 1972-1974. The junta faced much opposition from Pedro Joaquin Charmorro Cardenal and the newspaper "La Presna". The Junta pledged fair election, but it was ultimately a plan to pave the way for Somoza Garica's reelection. http://www.laprensa.com.ni/2013/02/21/opinion/135502-el-pacto-del-kupia-kumi The site is the official site of "La Presena", the newspaper who opposed Garcia. -
The Rise of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)
FSLN was formed by a group of Marxist and anti government activists and by the 1970s had gained enough supporters to launch military initiatives. In December of 1974, a group of FSLN guerrillas seized and took hostages of many Nicaraguan government officials and Somoza relatives. After 61 hours, the government agreed to pay a $1,000,000 ransom for the prisoners. Google Books The 50 Worst Terrorist Attacks. The book (found online), was written in 2014, describing a series of terror attacks. -
Somoza Debayle Resignation
By June of 1979, Nicaragua was under the control of FSLN. Somoza faced political and military isolation which caused him to resign. He then gave power to Urcuyo, and fled to Miami. He then lived in Paraguay until he was murdered in 1980 by Argentinian guerrillas. Prior to his resignation, the Carter administration blamed Somoza for the unsuccessful transfer of power to the FSLN junta. http://biography.yourdictionary.com/anastasio-somoza-debayle This site allows anyone to contribute information.
