The History of Nicaragua

by Clifford L. Staten

This concise history of Nicaragua provides the reader with a history of the ways in which key political and economic factors have contributed to the creation of the modern nation.

Notwithstanding Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's disdain for the United States, our nation has played a significant role in shaping Nicaraguan nationalism, as well as the country's political, economic, and social systems. The History of Nicaragua was written, in part, to help students and other interested readers understand that relationship, providing them with an up-to-date, concise, and analytical history of the Central American nation.

The book begins by describing the people, geography, culture, and current political, economic, and social systems of Nicaragua. The remainder of the volume is devoted to a chronological history, emphasizing recurring themes or factors that have shaped the modern state. These include the importance of elite families such as the Somoza dynasty that ruled for more than 40 years. Other topics include the agro-export model of economic development, modern Nicaraguan nationalism, the Sandinista revolution and its legacy, and the democratic transition that began in 1990.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Andrew Daniels · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculously biased
Its somewhere between Sandinista apologist / sympathizer and outright Sandinista propaganda,

there is plenty of anti-American propaganda in here, it makes this not really history

his interpretations are not trustworthy,
biased and incorrect history about the Contras
Ridiculous and execrable, awful

[Alec Aragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite informative book about the history of Nicaragua. It's pretty balanced and lays out criticisms of both political parties and isn't afraid to expose US intervention in the country. It can be a bit dry but I learned a lot about why Nicaraguan politics are the way they are today.