Jose Santos Zelaya

Zelaya led a liberal revolution that overthrew the conservative government of Nicaragua. He established a liberal regime and became president, initiating a period of modernization and centralization.

Zelaya actively pursued the reunification of Central America. He convened the Amapala Conference and supported the Greater Republic of Central America, a federation of Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Zelaya's nationalist policies, including granting concessions to non-American companies and seeking a canal route through Nicaragua, led to conflict with the US. The US supported a conservative rebellion against him.

Facing a US-backed rebellion and the threat of US military intervention, Zelaya resigned the presidency and went into exile in Mexico. His departure ended the liberal era in Nicaragua.