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Oct 23, 1502
Europeans Discover Nicaragua
Christopher Columbus lands on the coast of Nicaragua. Land expeditions were launched afterwards to subdue the native population, but the Spanish were more interested in Mexico and Peru at the time. Spanish explorer Gil Gonzalez de Avila names Nicaragua after a local Indian chief, Nicarao. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1225283.stm
Popular website for historical articles and world news. Timeline of Nicaraguan history. United Kingdom based organization updated in 2012. -
May 23, 1523
Granada and Leon were founded by Spanish forces
In early 16th century, land expeditions were launched by Europeans to subdue the original native population in order to gain money. Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba was the Spanish conquerer who founded the cities of Granada and Leon. The Spanish conquered Nicaragua and divided the land unfairly between themselves.
Source: http://www.localhistories.org/nicaragua.html Article on history focused organizational website, author Tim Lambert dated 2013, information consistent with other websites. -
Conflict Arose between Liberals in Léon and Conservatives in Granada
Powerful elites in Leon and Granada were established in the 1750s. The Liberals in Léon and Conservatives in Granada began a long, violent conflict over political disparity. During the 19th century Nicaragua was divided between Liberals and Conservatives. Source: http://www.localhistories.org/nicaragua.html
It's a historical article of early Nicaragua. Written by Tim Lambert, a historian and researcher, with intent to inform. Information consistent with other sources. -
Nicaragua gains independence
Nicaragua and other Central American colonies gain their independence from the Spanish rule. Part of Central America broke away from Spanish rule and formed the United Central Provinces. Nicaragua becomes incorporated into the Mexican Empire. Few years later Nicaragua becomes independent from Mexico as separatist feelings became prominent.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1225283.stm
Popular UK historical world news network, publication of Nicaraguan timeline. -
William Walker takes power in Nicaragua
Domestic conflict in the 1850s arose until William Walker, a rich, educated soldier from the U.S., used the opportunity to seize power in Nicaragua. Nicaraguan Liberal forces to crush the Conservative opposition hired William Walker, a North American adventurer with a small band of followers. Walker captured Granada. http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford affiliated website, made for educational purposes/to disseminate information. -
Jose Santos Zelaya Breaks Peace
Liberal Jose Santos Zelaya takes power to rule under a controversial period of time. He promoted internal development as well as modern infrastructure in Nicaragua and fostered the growth of nationalism. As with the precedent case of William Walker, he was driven out with the help of U.S. involvement. Lewis Hanke, an U.S. agent, intervenes in support of the Conservative cause.
http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford sponsored, informational timeline of Nic -
National Guard formed in Nicaragua
National Guard was formed in Nicaragua so U.S. could satisfy isolationists in Nicaragua. It wasn't enough to contain civil disarray in the country. The Marines returned a few years later. "When U.S. forces withdraw from Nicaragua, rebellions ensue; and the marines return to quell the disturbances."
http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Informational Stanford sponsored timeline for educational/research purposes -
Anastasio Somoza García becomes Elected President
After taking control of the National Guard a few years prior, Somoza coordinates the assassination of Augusto Cesar Sandino, leader of the liberal forces, under peaceful pretenses. Forces his uncle, president Juan Batista Sacasa, to resign. "General Somoza elected president, heralding the start of a 44-year-long dictatorship by his family."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1225283.stm
UK World News organization sponsored timeline article of historical Nicaraguan events -
Somoza Showed Heavy Support of the Allies during World War II
Somoza showed his political finessing skills by using World War II as an opportunity to strengthen his relations with the U.S. so his regime would be supported. Important factor of how he was able to maintain power. "Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Nicaragua enters World War II on December 9,"
"1945: In June, Nicaragua is recognized as a charter member of the United Nations."
http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford educational website timeline -
Anastasio Somoza Dies
He is succeeded by his son, Luis Somoza Debayle, who was the former general of the National Guard. Garcia owned most all of the land in Nicaragua, controlled all of the banks, the national railroad, and most industries. His sons inherited this wealth through him but also his many enemies. "For four years after his son's regime, close associates of the Somoza family maintain political control of Nicaragua."
http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford Website -
The Sandinista National Liberation Front was formed
Became the leading group in opposition to Anastasio Somoza Debayle's military autocracy. Would eventually drive Somoza regime out and assume power in Nicaragua as a 5 man military junta. "In 1961 the Frente Sandinsta de Liberacion or Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) was formed. They began a long guerilla war."
http://www.localhistories.org/nicaragua.html
Log of Nicaraguan history as recorded by historian Tim Lambert and consistent with other sources. -
Luis Somoza Debayle Dies, Anastasio Somoza Debayle Takes Over
Suffering from bad health, Luis Somoza slowly died as Anastasio Somoza Debayle slowly took control of power in Nicaragua. Anastasio Somoza Debayle was an authoritative and oppressive governor like his father, yet he lacked the important political skills that benefitted his father. His opposition grows... "Somoza Debayle establishes a military autocracy, silencing his opposition through the National Guard."
http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford Website -
Devastating Earthquake Destroys Managua
Somoza Debayle uses earthquake to assume power in Nicaragua and he uses most of money from international aid to bolster his personal wealth. "A devastating earthquake strikes Managua, leaving 6,000 dead and 20,000 injured. Martial law is declared; and Somoza Debayle is made Chief Executive of the Nicaraguan government. U.S. marines are sent to Nicaragua to insure Somoza's regime is instituted." http://web.stanford.edu/group/arts/nicaragua/discovery_eng/timeline/
Stanford Educational Site
