Central America Federation. 1823-40. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica.

Nicaragua. 1502 Columbus discovers. 1523 Spanish settle. 1821 Mexican Empire. 1826 CAF. 1839 Independent. Sandinistas.

Reagan, Ronald. 1911-2004. US actor, Republican President 1981-9. Tax reform. Strong economy. Aid to Nicaragua Contras. Irangate scandal. Fall of Soviet Empire.

Sandinistas. 1962-. Nicaraguan Communist guerilla group vs Somoza. Governed 1980-89, despite US Funded Contra rebellion.

Somoza, Anastasio. 1896-1956. Nicaraguan president. 1936~. Sons ruled to 1979.

Walker, William. 1824-60. American filibuster. Nicaraguan president. 1856-7.

Zelaya, José. 1853-1919. Nicaraguan president 1894-1909. Attempted to unify Central America by force and revolution 1909.