Students will emerge with a deeper understanding of the key concepts and themes that define modern Central American history, a more nuanced view of U.S. foreign policy in that history, and an appreciation of its impact on Latinx migration in recent years.

(1906–1994) José Coronel Urtecho was a Nicaraguan poet, essayist, playwright, diplomat, and historian.

1955– ) Dora Maria Téllez is a Nicaraguan historian and political activist.

(1955–1975) Arlen Siu was born in Jinotepe, Nicaragua.

(1895–1934) Augusto Sandino was born in Niquinohomo, a small town in Nicaragua. During his youth, he worked at an oil company in Mexico and became inspired by the message of social equality advocated for by Mexican labor unions.

(1942– ) Sergio Ramírez as born in Masatepe, Nicaragua. In the 1960s, he gained prominence as an intellectual and participated in the resistance against the Somoza government.

(1943– ) Carlos Mejia Godoy was born in Somoto, Nicaragua. He is a folk musician, guitarist, and songwriter…

(1867–1916) Ruben Dario was born in Metapa, Nicaragua.

(1925–2020) Ernesto Cardenal was born in Granada, Nicaragua.

(1948– ) Gioconda Belli was born in Managua, Nicaragua.

(1924–2018) Claribel Alegría was born in Nicaragua, but grew up in Santa Ana, El Salvador.

Poem by Rubén Darío. PDF copy available.

Poem by José Coronel Urtecho

Poem by Leonel Rugama

In this series of three lessons, students will gain background knowledge on life in Central America during this volatile period in order to understand the risks these revolutionary poets took.

Poem by Claribel Alegria

Poem by Gioconda Belli. PDF copy available.

Poem by Claribel Alegría. PDF copy available.

This teaching guide includes interactive lessons on land distribution in Nicaragua before the revolution; the Sandinistas; the involvement of the United States; the literacy campaign; Ben Linder; and the Honduran connection.

Poem by Ernesto Cardenal. PDF copy available.