Costa Rica's History
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by: Ken Ingraham
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Word Count: 562
Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 Time: 8:58 PM
Many people are afraid to travel in Central and South America because they perceive the region to be unstable or violent. However, Costa Rica has a uniquely peaceful history, which makes attending Spanish school in Costa Rica a very attractive proposition. When you learn Spanish in Costa Rica, you will enjoy a friendly people, a beautiful landscape, and a peaceful environment.
Way back in Pre-Columbian times, the region now known as Costa Rica was known as the "Intermediate Area" between the Andean region and the Mesoamerican region. When the Spanish conquistadors first came to South America, the northwest part of the region was under the Nahuatl cultural influence. Other parts of area now known as Costa Rica, including the central and southern portion of the country, were under the Chibcha influence. Unfortunately, most of the people living in this area died shortly after the conquistadors arrived either from mistreatment or smallpox.
Costa Rica was first viewed as part of the "Captaincy General of Guatemala," which was part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. However, this area was not very populated and was one of the Spanish Empires poorest regions. In fact, a Spanish governor went so far as to call it " the poorest and most miserable Spanish colony in all America." This was the case for a variety of reasons including the fact that it was pretty far from the Guatemalan capital. Additionally, there was a lack of a local indigenous population to use for forced labor. Therefore, Costa Rican settlers had to work their own land. Large haciendas never developed.
As a result, Costa Rica was a fairly autonomous region composed of individualistic, independent small farmers. Even the governor had to farm his own crops. As democracy emerged, all people were included. This meant that unlike its neighbors, Costa Rica did not develop an oppressed indigenous population.
In 1821, the Central American provinces declared independence from Spain. Costa Rica joined their cause as a member state of the newly formed Federal Republic of Central America. For some time after the region achieved its independence, the Costa Ricans lacked trade routes to get coffee to Europe. In 1843, however, a trade route was finally established that didn't require ships to sail all the way around Cape Horn.
Before you attend Spanish school in Costa Rica, you really should understand and appreciate the fact that this country never experienced the sort of oppression and violence that plagued the rest of Central and South America. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. The 44-day Costa Rican Civil War was considered the bloodiest event in modern Costa Rican history. However, the junta that won ended up drafting a constitution for free elections. Once Jose Figueres Ferrer abolished the military, he became a national hero. He was president three times. During his time in power, he nationalized banking and granted women and blacks voting privileges.
Additionally, in 1917-1919, there was an armed uprising after a presidential election was disputed. The military was abolished in 1949. Today the country has one of the only democratic systems without a military.
There are a variety of advantages to consider when you make the decision to learn Spanish in Costa Rica. This beautiful country is full of friendly people, gorgeous beaches, and amazing wildlife. It also makes sense to have a deep appreciation for this region's peaceful background and history of democracy.
About the Author
Latin Immersion partners with three Spanish schools in Costa Rica. All include cultural lessons which are an integral part of studying Spanish in Costa Rica.
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