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Jan 1, 1502
Christopher Columbus
He is the first European to visit the coast of Central America. -
William Walker
He got involved in the civil war and seizes control of Nicaragua, declares himself president, and legalizes slavery. -
General Anastasio Somoza
General Somoza becomes president, starting the 43-year Somoza dictatorship. -
Luis Somoza Debayle
General Somoza is assassinated his son Luis Somoza Debayle becomes president, continuing his father’s tradition of corruption and strict control of the country. -
José Santos Zelaya
General José Santos Zelaya takes control of the country, setting up a dictatorship and keeping a tense relationship with the United States. -
Augusto César Sandino
Augusto César Sandino launches attacks on U.S. troops in Nicaragua, hoping to encourage them to leave. -
General Anastasio Somoza
General Anastasio Somoza orders Sandino to be killed. -
José Santos Zelaya
A revolt breaks out and Zelaya is removed from power -
Gil Gonzalez de Avila
The first Spanish explorers, led by Gil Gonzalez de Avila, arrive and establish colonies in what is now Nicaragua. -
Pedro Joaquin Chamorro
Pedro Joaquin Chamorro, a leader in the fight against the Somozas, is murdered, sparking a strike and uniting many Nicaraguans with the FSLN
