Middle Americas: midwestern futures in Nicaragua, 1855-1927

In 1855, a group of private U.S. soldiers, known as the filibusters, attempted to overthrow the government of Nicaragua. This was not an isolated incident, for the next century, the United States would frequently intervene in Nicaragua. During the late 19th century, interest centered around a potential transoceanic canal in Nicaragua. Even after the United States shifted to the Panamanian route, U.S. involvement did not dissipate. U.S. Marines occupied the country for nearly two decades in the name of protecting democracy. Instead, this lengthy occupation increased resentment of the United States and formed the conditions for a brutal dictatorship.

In this project, I examine the contributions of Midwesterners to the long period of U.S. interventions in Nicaragua. Instead of portraying the Midwest as flyover country, I argue that a diverse array of Midwesterners connected Nicaragua to their visions of the future. During the brief reign of the filibusters, Midwesterners joined their army and imagined Nicaragua as the next logical target for U.S. frontiersmen. Midwesterners avidly participated in the Nicaragua Canal scheme, serving as scientists and engineers for the Nicaragua Canal Company. In places like Dubuque, Midwesterners believed that building a canal would transform the Midwest into a global hub for commerce. At the same time, Midwesterners also challenged the premises of U.S. occupation, connecting local and regional political concerns to their protests over the unjust war. Ultimately, I argue for a more expansive view of Midwestern history, one that centers the numerous connections between this region and the world.