Nicaragua secedes from the Federal Republic of Central America

Background. The Federal Republic of Central America existed from 1823 to 1839/1841, comprising five states including Nicaragua. The republic descended into a second civil war from 1838 to 1840, during which the states declared independence. Nicaragua had previously declared independence on 3 December 1832, citing fears of federal authoritarianism, but the definitive secession occurred in 1838.

Political Context. In 1836, the federal army was described as a small remnant of veterans. The Federal Congress convened on 30 May 1838, declaring that each state was free to establish any form of republican government. This legislative action coincided with the period of Nicaragua's definitive secession and the broader dissolution of the federal structure.

Federal Relations. Prior to the definitive secession, the Nicaraguan government had requested federal assistance for canal construction in 1833 and 1838, but the federal government took no action. These unfulfilled requests occurred against a backdrop of political instability and the eventual departure of all federally elected officials in February 1839.