Oral Presentation on Costa Rica-Nicaragua Conflict PDF

Oral Presentation on the Costa Rica-Nicaragua Con ict Part 1: Geography The Costa Rica-Nicaragua con ict primarily revolves around the shared border between the two Central American nations. This border spans a diverse geographical landscape, includ...

Oral Presentation on the Costa Rica-Nicaragua Con ict Part 1: Geography The Costa Rica-Nicaragua con ict primarily revolves around the shared border between the two Central American nations. This border spans a diverse geographical landscape, including river boundaries and contested territories. The region's geography has signi cantly in uenced the con ict, as control over these areas has implications for national security, access to natural resources, and regional in uence. Costa Rica and Nicaragua, though neighbors, have distinct geographical and socio-political landscapes. Costa Rica, known for its stability and environmental richness, contrasts with Nicaragua’s larger landmass and historical political turbulence. Part 2: History The Costa Rica-Nicaragua con ict began in earnest in 1918 under Costa Rican military dictator General Federico Tinoco. Seeking to assert Costa Rica’s independence and prevent a rebellion, Tinoco dispatched troops to the Nicaraguan border. This provocation was met with hostility from the United States, which supported Nicaragua, leading to Tinoco’s downfall. Decades later, in 1948, General José Figueres seized power in Costa Rica, and Nicaragua sought regime change through invasion. This period included the bloodiest event in Central American history, a civil war in Costa Rica resulting in 2,000 deaths. In 1955, the con ict reignited when Nicaragua supported Costa Rican rebels against Figueres. The Organization of American States (OAS) mediated the con ict, leading to peace treaties and the establishment of a demilitarized zone, marking the end of the protracted con ict. Part 3: Politics Politically, the con ict was shaped by authoritarian regimes and external in uences, particularly from the United States. In Costa Rica, leaders like Tinoco and Figueres played pivotal roles. Tinoco’s attempt to solidify his regime through military action back red, leading to his ouster. Figueres, after winning a civil war, implemented democratic reforms and abolished the military, a unique move in the region. Nicaragua, under the Somoza family dictatorship, sought to maintain in uence in Costa Rica through support for regime changes. The U.S., while generally supporting Nicaragua, played a crucial role in mediating con icts and ensuring regional stability through the OAS. The decision-making processes in both countries were heavily in uenced by authoritarian leaders and external diplomatic pressures. Part 4: Facts 1. Duration: The con ict spanned from 1918 to 1955, a total of 37 years. 2. Key Figures: Important leaders included General Federico Tinoco and General José Figueres of Costa Rica, and the Somoza family in Nicaragua. 3. Interventions: The United States and the OAS were key external actors, mediating and in uencing the con ict’s resolution. 4. Key Events: - 1918: Tinoco’s pre-emptive military strike and subsequent downfall. - 1948: Civil war in Costa Rica and Nicaraguan invasion. - 1955: Nicaraguan support for Costa Rican rebels and OAS-mediated resolution. 5. Resolution: The con ict was resolved through OAS mediation, leading to peace treaties and a demilitarized zone. 6. Impact: The con ict resulted in signi cant loss of life during the civil war, political instability, and set the stage for Costa Rica’s unique path towards demilitarization and democracy. fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fl fi fl fl fl fi fl fi fl fl Conclusion: The Costa Rica-Nicaragua con ict began with territorial and political provocations, continued through periods of violent confrontations and political upheavals, and ultimately ended through international mediation and diplomatic resolutions. The con ict highlights the complexities of regional rivalries, the role of external powers in shaping outcomes, and the enduring impact of historical grievances and political ambitions. The resolution of this con ict through peaceful means and the establishment of democratic norms in Costa Rica stand as signi cant milestones in Central American history. fl fl fl fi