United States Intervention

Revolution brought the Liberals to power in 1893. They imposed a ruthless dictatorship on Nicaragua and stirred up revolutions in other Central American nations. They were driven from power in 1909 and Conservative government was reinstated. An economic crisis forced the country to seek aid. Loans were obtained from bankers in the United States in exchange for control over Nicaragua's finances.

In 1912 U.S. Marines were called in to put down a Liberal revolt. Remaining almost continuously for 21 years, the Marines supervised elections, fought Liberal insurgents, and trained and armed a national police force called the National Guard.