Throughout its history, Nicaragua has suffered from political instability, civil war, poverty, foreign intervention, and natural disasters. Governments since colonial times have been unable to bring stability and sustainable economic growth. Personal and foreign special interests have generally prevailed over the national interests, and foreign intervention in Nicaraguan political and economic affairs, especially by the United States, has resulted in various forms of populist and nationalist reactions and a legacy of suspicion of foreign governments and their motives.
Today, Nicaragua embarks on a new era. In the past thirteen years, the people of Nicaragua have emerged from an era of conflict and unrest into a period of recovery.
The lessons in this section of the Resource Guide are structured to provide students with an essential understanding of Nicaragua’s rich but often conflict-laden history and to instill an appreciation for the courage and determination of the Nicaraguan people in the face of adversity.
PDF file)