Nicaragua History IV
Comments OffThe prospect of a peaceful political transition in the politically polarized country were considered so shaky that international observers were called in for the October 1996 elections, as they had been in 1990. Although the results were later contested, and some irregularities found, the elections proceeded peacefully and without incident. With 80% of the electorate [...]
Nicaragua History III
Comments OffThe Sandinistas engaged in an ambitious program to develop Nicaragua under leftist ideals. They nationalized Somoza’s land and commercial interests. They also initiated agrarian reform, and announced a series of social programs, including literacy and public health campaigns. Politically, they professed democratic ideals, but delivered only sporadically. A Statute on Rights and Guarantees was adopted, [...]
Nicaragua History II
Comments OffFrom 1909 until 1933, the United States grew in influence in Nicaragua. Conservatives immediately asked for help from Washington. The United States placed an American agent in the customhouse in 1911, and US banks extended considerable credit to the bankrupt Treasury. US marines and warships arrived in 1912 in support of president Adolfo Díaz. US [...]
Nicaragua History I
Comments OffNicaragua derives its name from that of the Amerindian chief Nicarao who once ruled the region. The first European contact came with Columbus in 1502. At that time the northern part of the country was inhabited by the Sumo Amerindians, the eastern region by the Miskitos, and the region around Lakes Nicaragua and Managua by [...]
