The Somoza family () is a political family which ruled Nicaragua under a dictatorship over a period of 43 years, from 1936 to 1979. Founded by Anastasio Somoza García — who served as the President of Nicaragua for two terms between 1937–1947 and 1950–1956 — was succeeded by his two sons; the eldest, Luis Somoza Debayle from 1956 to 1963, and youngest, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, serving for two presidential terms between 1967–1972 and 1974–1979. Although the Somozas did not hold the presidency for the full 43 years, their political influence was continuously exacted via the installation of puppet presidents and ongoing control of the National Guard.

Ultimately, the Somoza family was overthrown by the socialist Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) during the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1961–1990. Widespread discontent with the Somoza regime emerged following the Managua earthquake of 1972. The Somoza's wealth is speculated to have reached approximately $533 million, which amounted to half of Nicaragua's debt and 33% of the country's 1979 GDP.

Members

Three of the Somoza family members served as President of Nicaragua. They were:

  • Anastasio Somoza García "Tacho" (1896–1956; President 1937–1947, 1950–1956), the father.
  • Luis Somoza Debayle (1922–1967, President 1956–1963), his eldest legitimate son.
  • Anastasio Somoza Debayle "Tachito" (1925–1980, President 1967–1972, 1974–1979), his second legitimate son.

Other members of the Somoza family include:

  • José R. Somoza, the half-brother of Anastasio Somoza Debayle
  • Hope Portocarrero, the wife of Anastasio Somoza Debayle
  • Lillian Somoza de Sevilla Sacasa, the daughter of Anastasio Somoza García
  • Isabel Urcuyo (1924–2014), the wife of Luis Somoza Debayle
  • Anastasio Somoza Portocarrero, a son of Anastasio Somoza Debayle and his wife
  • Luis Pallais Debayle, cousin of Anastasio Somoza Debayle
  • Carolina Somoza Portocarrero, a daughter of Anastasio Somoza Debayle and his wife, who is married to James Minskoff Sterling, son of New York real estate developer Henry H. Minskoff
  • Martha Debayle, a niece of Anastasio Somoza Debayle, Nicaraguan Mexican radio hostess and entrepreneur
  • Anastasia Somoza, American disability rights advocate and granddaughter of Luis Somoza Debayle

Anastasio Somoza García

thumb|Anastasio Somoza García in 1936

Anastasio Somoza García (1 February 1896 – 29 September 1956) was the founder of the Somoza dictatorship. He was born into a wealthy coffee planter family as the son of senator Anastasio Somoza Reyes and Julia García. He was educated at the Instituto Nacional de Oriente and the Pierce School of Business Administration in Philadelphia.

After returning to Nicaragua, Anastasio Somoza García joined the Liberal revolt in 1926. These policies did little for the common citizen, but benefited Somoza's fortune significantly.

Anastasio Somoza García was assassinated in 1956. He was shot by poet Rigoberto López Pérez and died several days later on 29 September 1956.

Luis Somoza Debayle

thumb|Luis Somoza Debayle in 1956

Luis Somoza Debayle (18 November 1922 – 13 April 1967) was the eldest son of Anastasio Somoza García. He was born in León, Nicaragua and received an American education at Saint Leo College Prep School, La Salle Military Academy and Louisiana State University. He became a captain in the National Guard by the age of eighteen and entered Congress by 1950. By 1956 he became the President of Congress, constitutionally empowering him to fill the Presidency in the instance of an unexpected vacancy.

thumb|Anastasio Somoza Debayle and his wife Hope Portocarrero at the abrogation of the [[Bryan-Chamorro Treaty in 1970]]

Anastasio Somoza Debayle's first presidential term was from 1967 to 1972. His leadership differed from his older brother's and marked a return to his father's harsher style of personalist dictatorship. A new provisional government quickly yielded power to the Government of National Reconstruction (JGRN) composed of many anti-Somoza members.

Growing opposition

Reinstated freedoms allowed newspapers to cover opposition activities and the rights violations of the Somoza government. This led to rising discomfort with the Somoza government and strengthened support of the opposition. Somoza handed over power to President of the Chamber of Deputies Francisco Urcuyo who would in turn transfer the government to the junta.