istoryworld
Events relating to nicaragua
The Central American Federation splits into Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica
US entrepreneur Cornelius Vanderbilt conveys passengers across the American continent through Nicaragua by steamship and horse and carriage
An American adventurer, William Walker, wins control of the government in Nicaragua and for a year rules as president
US adventurer William Walker, thrown out of Nicaragua in 1857, is executed in Honduras
President Taft sends marines to Nicaragua after the government there executes two US citizens
President Taft sends US marines into Nicaragua during a period of disorder
Anastasio Somoza, commander of the National Guard, organizes a coup in Nicaragua
Anastasio Somoza makes himself president of Nicaragua, beginning four decades of brutal rule by his family
Anastasio Somoza is assassinated on a visit to Panama, but the dictatorship of Nicaragua remains in his family
The Sandinistas emerge as a guerrilla group in opposition to the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua
Sandinista guerrillas make a surprise attack on the National Palace in Nicaragua, taking more than 1000 people hostage
A Sandinista junta, headed by Daniel Ortega, takes power in Nicaragua – bringing to an end four decades of brutal rule by the Somoza dynasty
Daniel Ortega leads the Sandinistas to electoral victory in Nicaragua
Opponents of the Sandinistas flee from Nicaragua into Honduras, where they become known as the Contras
The USA ends all aid to Nicaragua and provides funds to train and equip the Contras in neighbouring Honduras
The CIA covertly arranges for mines to be laid in Nicaragua's harbours
Oliver North arranges for clandestine money from Iran to provide illegal support for the Nicaraguan Contras
The Sandinistas lose the Nicaraguan presidential election, with Daniel Ortega beaten into second place by Violeta Chamorro
Daniel Ortega wins the Nicaraguan presidential election, returning to the office after 16 years