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Establishment of Constituent Assembly
Somoza Garcia established a Constituent Assembly that granted extensive power and influence to the president and allowed him to serve another eight-year term. This was the beginning of Somoza Garcia’s unlawful extension of power, signifying the beginning of the Somoza legacy that would rule the country for the next forty years. -
Anticommunist Constitution and U.S. Support
A Constitution was drafted that included anticommunist rhetoric that served the purpose of winning over U.S. support of Somoza Garcia’s regime. However, the government inadvertently instituted liberal labor policies for the sake of winning the support of the Communist Party of Nicaragua. This signifies Somoza Garcia’s disloyalty to foreign interests and thus to the overall interests of his country. -
FSLN Guerrilla Rebellion
FSLN guerrillas invaded the home of a former Nicaraguan government official, taking Somoza relatives and other officials as hostages. This event influenced Nicaragua in that Somoza Debayle ended up becoming far more repressive towards the people of Nicaragua as a result, increasing censorship, broadening military control/influence, intimidation, torture, and murder. -
Pedro Joaquin Chamarro Assassination (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/05/opinion/in-nicaragua-a-blatantly-rigged-election.html?_r=0)
The journalist and opposition leader, Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, was assassinated by Somoza regime hitmen. This event constituted a nationwide wave of protests and rebellion, showing that for many, the only method by which they could effectively end the Somoza’s dictatorial regime was through an uprising. This source originates from the New York Times; written by the son of the assassinated journalist who is mentioned. -
FPN Formation
The National Patriotic Front (FPN) was formed by the Sandinistas. This later helped lead to not only Somoza Debayle’s resignation, but also a proclamation of the legality and necessity of free elections in the country of Nicaragua.
