Founding of the Sandinista National Liberation Front

In 1961, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) was founded by Carlos Fonseca and two associates, one of whom was Casimiro Sotelo, who would later be assassinated. The FSLN emerged as a revolutionary movement aimed at overthrowing the Somoza dictatorship in Nicaragua, which had been characterized by corruption and repression. Inspired by the legacy of Augusto César Sandino, a national hero who fought against U.S. intervention in Nicaragua, the FSLN sought to establish a socialist government that would address the needs of the Nicaraguan people. The movement gained momentum following the devastating earthquake in 1972, which revealed the extent of the Somoza regime's corruption and mismanagement. This event galvanized public sentiment against the dictatorship, leading to increased support for the Sandinistas, particularly among the youth who were eager for change and justice. The FSLN's commitment to social justice and anti-imperialism resonated with many Nicaraguans, setting the stage for a protracted struggle that would culminate in the Nicaraguan Revolution.