21. Nicaraguan Revolution (1961-1990)
The Nicaraguan Revolution began with the Sandinista movement’s armed struggle to overthrow the US-backed Somoza dictatorship. Following the Sandinista victory in 1979, the country plunged into a new phase of conflict as US-supported Contras fought to unseat the revolutionary government. This civil war mirrored broader Cold War rivalries, drawing in significant foreign intervention and leaving deep social scars. The revolution and its aftermath continue to influence Nicaragua’s political life and Central American geopolitics.
