Robert J. Sierakowski - Sandinistas

ABBREVIATIONS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Researching and writing this book has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life and much of it was thanks to the hundreds of Nicaraguans who gave so willingly of themselves to bring this project to fruition. From rural hamlets to provincial towns to the archives of Managua, I experienced great warmth, charity of spirit, and selfless openness to my efforts to document their countrys experiences. As a foreigner, from a nation whose historical treatment of Nicaragua has been largely negative, these innumerable interactions of support taught me much about the character of the people, which doubtlessly shined through in the dark era that I was researching. It also provided a lesson as to how all of us in the United States could and should treat those who come from abroad to our country. Given the caliber of the human beings I encountered on a daily basis, I have no doubt that Nicaragua will find its way through its current difficulties to a better and brighter future.

This work owes everything to the women and men who opened their homes and their hearts to a stranger in Estel, La Trinidad, Condega, Pueblo Nuevo, El Regado, La Montaita, Santa Cruz, Somoto, San Lucas, Cusmapa, Palacagina, Yalagina, Telpaneca, Totogalpa, and Ocotal. In particular, I would like to recognize the family of Otilia Casco Cruz and Anastasio Rivas Cruz, who provided hours of conversation, meals, and a place to sleep in El Regado when I was first beginning this project. Waking up in the early hours of the morning to the crisp mountain air, a cool misty drizzle, and the smell of freshly made warm tortillas and sweet coffee is a moment that encapsulates my experiences doing fieldwork.

This project would have been impossible without the guidance of the various academic mentors I have had over the years. My undergraduate advisor at Tufts University, the brilliant Peter Winn, first sparked my love of Latin American history and a deep appreciation for the experiences and role of the regions everyday people. At the University of California, Los Angeles, I could not have asked for a better dissertation advisor than Robin Derby, an academic innovator with a huge heart and a boundless intellect. She provided encouragement, constructive criticism, and steadfast support during challenging moments. Not only did she carefully guide me through the research and writing process, but she also taught me to expand my horizons and take on new roles inside and outside of the classroom.

I carried out my research in Nicaragua thanks to the generous support of the Fulbright-Hays Fellowship and to the Graduate Summer Research Mentorship grant provided by UCLA. While in Nicaragua, I was based at the Institute of Nicaraguan and Central American History (Instituto de Historia de Nicaragua y Centroamrica, IHNCA) at the Central American University (Universidad Centroamericana, UCA) in Managua. Headed by Margarita Vannini, the IHNCA houses a treasure trove of historical documentation and a staff of caring professionals. I remain grateful for the daily assistance I received from Mara Auxiliadora Estrada, Lissette Ruiz, Annabelle Jerez, and Mara Ligia Garay. During my early days in Managua, the younger cohort at UCAVictor Daniel Rodrguez, Allinson Somarriba, Karelia Mendoza, and Carolina Mercenaromade me feel at home, whether by sharing a lunch in the archive or attending the Agizotes festival in Masaya.