What is the origination of Nicaragua?

Home » Nicaragua » Overview and History of Nicaragua » What is the origination of Nicaragua?

While there were indigenous people living in Nicaragua, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, the Spanish settlers that arrived in 1522 brought with them disease and sicknesses that killed many of the native people. While the Spanish took over the western half of the country, the native people that were left took up residence in the eastern half and eventually received aid and assistance from the British, who wanted to oppose Spanish power in the Caribbean. Nicaraguans won their independence from the Spanish in 1838. The fight for their freedom was helped by the French invasion of Spain, which took Spain’s attention away from Nicaragua, which was not the most important thing on their agenda, and back to their homeland. This, however, did not diminish the influence that the Spanish had left on the country, culturally speaking. Many of the Spanish influences are still evident today. For the next several hundred years, Nicaragua was bounced back and forth between those who were hungry for power, as it is and has been one of the poorest countries in the world. It had little ability to defend itself. Today, the country is still free and governed by a president and group of officials who are elected.



Next Page: How did Nicaragua become its own country?

Related Overview and History of Nicaragua Articles