Discover the History of Nicaragua!

Like its neighbors, the history of Nicaragua begins in 1520s with its colonization by Spain. Granada and Leon, two of the important towns in Nicaragua, were found during this period. It was part of the great Mexican Empire till it gained independence as a part of United Provinces of Central America in 1821. Nicaraguan history took a new turn in 1838 when it became an independent republic. Mosquito Coast on Atlantic became a part of Nicaragua in 1894.

History of Nicaragua after independence is dominated by the rivalry between the conservative elite of Granada and the liberal elite of Leon. The rivalry soon turned into civil war and the Leon faction in 1855 took the aid of William Walker, an adventurer United States, who in 1856 was elected president. Conservatives with the help of neighboring countries threw him out of power and ruled the country for three years from 1857. Jose Santos Zelaya, a liberal, took advantage of the dissatisfaction in the conservative lines and came to power in 1893.

The history of Nicaragua during the first half of the 20th century is dominated by the involvement of United States in the rivalry between liberals and conservatives. Jose Santos Zelaya moved ahead with the plans to build Nicaragua Canal, which was against US interests. This and some other issues led to the US politically supporting conservatives against liberal Zelaya. Things took an ugly turn in 1909 when around 500 conservatives were executed, this included some US citizens. To protect US citizens and interest, the US forces occupied Nicaragua in the same year. This occupation continued till 1933. During the occupation, although the conservatives had the taste of power, liberals continued the civil war with guerilla warfare. Gen. Augusto Cesar Sandino finally overthrew the conservatives in 1933 and soon the US forces also left Nicaragua.

In 1936, Anastasio Somoza Garcia overthrew the Sandino regime with the help of United States and his family ruled till 1979. Restriction on freedom of speech was imposed during this period and several prominent personalities went on exile. In the same period Marxists replaced the liberals and put a mark on the history of Nicaragua with the assassination of Anastasio Somoza Garcia in 1956. Corruption and political maneuvers of the sons of Somoza was the highlight during 1960s and 70s. During this period the Marxists gained in strength and came to be known as Sandinistas. Managua earthquake of 1972, which left around half-a-million homeless, completely shook the country and people revolted against the Somozas. Taking this opportunity Sandinistas overthrew the Somozas and formed a government under Daniel Ortega.

Tensions between Nicaragua and US increased during the cold war as Nicaragua sided with the Soviets. Severe economic embargo was initiated against Nicaragua, which continued till 1990. Sandinistas lost election to the National Opposition Union led by Chamorro. After the 90s regular democratic elections were held under the vigil of international observers.

For the Spanish version of History of Nicaragua click here.