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He is the first European to visit the coast of Central America.
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He got involved in the civil war and seizes control of Nicaragua, declares himself president, and legalizes slavery.
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General Somoza becomes president, starting the 43-year Somoza dictatorship.
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General Somoza is assassinated his son Luis Somoza Debayle becomes president, continuing his father’s tradition of corruption and strict control of the country.
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General José Santos Zelaya takes control of the country, setting up a dictatorship and keeping a tense relationship with the United States.
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Augusto César Sandino launches attacks on U.S. troops in Nicaragua, hoping to encourage them to leave.
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General Anastasio Somoza orders Sandino to be killed.
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A revolt breaks out and Zelaya is removed from power
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The first Spanish explorers, led by Gil Gonzalez de Avila, arrive and establish colonies in what is now Nicaragua.
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Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, a leader in the fight against the Somozas, is murdered, sparking a strike and uniting many Nicaraguans with the FSLN
