Archive for January, 2009
The inhabitants of what is now Costa Rica were in the intermediate area located between the Mesoamerican and South American cultural regions. Some historians have included the area now comprised in the south and the Atlantic under the South American influence due to the presence of groups that speak languages derivates of the Chibchas.
Usually human settlements in this territory were rare and did not have the magnificent buildings and infrastructure like the towns of Mexico and Peru, but to serve as a cultural bridge between the South and the North of the continent, the development of the goldsmith and polychrome clay craft had a great development and wonderful results. The indigenous population declined rapidly after the conquest, mainly by the killings of the Spanish and diseases brought from Europe.
The shortage of manpower, the limited mineral resources, the remoteness of the Captaincy General of Guatemala and the rugged terrain that makes up most of the Central Valley (the most fertile area of the country) came together for the Spanish colonization were very slow and face serious financial constraints in order to be conducted. Costa Rica was then the poor southern province of New Spain. The provincial capital was located in Carthage.
Many scholars, including Carlos Roberto Brenes and Gagini Mesén, argue that part of the national character was formed during the colonial era, where the material deprivation were common to all and in the absence of slave labor, from the provincial governor to the most humble farmers had to ensure everyone for their support and for their families, thus creating a more egalitarian society and less governed by caste. Costa Rica independence from the Spanish Empire was enacted in 1821 by the five Central American states. After a time of uncertainty over how to proceed, the conservatives leaders of Guatemala liked the idea of annexing the Mexican Empire of Agustin de Iturbide but the Central American liberals objected to this approach. An armada of Mexico under the command of General Vincent Filisola held in Guatemala City. This union was as brief as the Empire itself.
Having Costa Rica gained their independence together with its sister nations, and after the failed experiment of the Mexican Empire, Costa Rica becomes part of the Federal Republic of Central America (United Provinces of Central America) along with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. This historical Federal union of countries was dissolved by the year 1842.
The greatest threat to political stability and cultural development of the country was experienced during the ascent to power in neighboring Nicaragua of the U.S. mercenary William Walker, who served in the military army of the Confederation in USA, acting as a mercenary. The General Walker was summoned along with 500 of his men by the government of Nicaragua, a country which was engaged in civil war for years, so the Conservative government “requested” the services of Walker and his men to tilt the military balance of power in favor of the government.
Having won the war in Nicaragua, Walker took control of the government in that country and after that put his eyes towards the neighboring nation of Costa Rica, in order to establish policies of slavery similar to those used in the southern United States of America. Two of his first steps were the introduction of slavery and English as official language of Nicaragua.
The threat was dissipated thanks to the leadership of President Juan Rafael Mora Porras, who delegated to General José María Cañas Escamilla forming a national army in Costa Rica. The country fought bravely against the troops of General Walker in Santa Rosa (Costa Rica) and Rivas in Nicaragua (among other battles), defeating the army of the general Walker on April 11, 1856, and restoring stability to the area.
On February 27, 1856 the congress empowers Mora to declare war. That same day brought the army to 9,000 men. The call to arms was completed on March 1 and 10 days later, Nicaragua declared war on Costa Rica. It is often said that the Costa Rican army was composed of poorly armed peasants barefoot and who almost did not know anything about war. However, numerous documents attest that with the arrival of Juan Rafael Mora to the presidency in 1849, began the professionalization of the armed forces of Costa Rica. In 1854 in England was purchased several guns and the first shipment of 500 rifles minnie considered the best of times arrive to the country. Besides that the Costa Rican militaries had Europeans instructors who had, during the 1850s, helped to improve the training and discipline of the national forces.
Here in Costa Rica and elsewhere in the world, enjoy a safer stay by following these simple tips:
Know your destination and have a pre-planned route for the tour. Always be alert and awake to what is happening around you. Carry your map and personal ID at all times.
If your car suffers a hit from behind, don’t just stop anywhere on the road. Try to go to the nearest lighted public area and call the police for assistance - dial 911 in Costa Rica- If you are told by someone on the road that something is wrong with your car, do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest gas station or other public place that is good lighting and probably someone who knows about cars.
If you suspect someone is too close to you while your vehicle is stopped at a red light or a signal of Stop, touch the horn. Do not stop for any flashing lights except an emergency red cross vehicles or police cars which have red and/or blue flashing lights.
If you get lost, find a public area like a gas station, to read your map or ask directions. People along the road are very friendly and will gladly help you, just steer away from asking directions in a local bar or canteen.
The objects of value should be carried in the trunk or out of sight while driving or leaving the vehicle parked. It is most secure to park into a place that is well lit and leave nothing of value in the car.
Look inside your vehicle and the surrounding area before entering your vehicle. DO NOT pick up people along the way.
If you use an ATM, make sure the area is well lighted. Count your money inside your vehicle with the windows closed and locked. Some ATMs in Costa Rica only work from 5 am to 10 pm.
Do not leave keys in your car or the engine running while you are using an ATM or public phone. If you suspect that you are being followed or watch go to a nearby public place that is well lighting and call the police - dial 911 in Costa Rica for emergency and help.
If you must carry a purse or a shoulder bag, take it in front of you, close to your body. Make sure it is completely closed and when in the car put it on the ground or the trunk, do not carry it on any of the other seats for everyone to see it’s there.
If you are challenged by a hostile individual, driver try to ignore them. If you find yourself being robbed give the person what they are trying to steal; your belongings are not worth your life or serious injury.
In an emergency dial 911 from any phone in Costa Rica, private or public it’ll call for help
Pay your departure tax ONLY at one of two international airports in Costa Rica, some coldhearted people take advantage of tourists and run away with their money. These taxes are $ 26 per person.