History

Activities ||= Teacher's Page || =History = =__// Important events in the History of Costa Rica Timeline //__= = = **500 A.D.:** The Diquís, native people living in what is now southern Costa Rica, begin using gold to make jewelry, animal figures and other objects. **1502:** On September 18, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to reach Costa Rica. Spanish colonization begins in 1522. **1808:** Coffee is introduced into Costa Rica from Cuba and becomes the principal crop. **1821:** Costa Rica gains its independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire. **1823:** The Mexican Empire dissolves; Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America. **1824:** The government starts minting coins. Juan Mora Fernandez is elected head of state. **1838:** Costa Rica becomes a fully independent country. **1849-1859:** Juan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region. **1919:** June 4 - US marines invade Costa Rica. **1949:** A new constitution is adopted after a bloody 44-day civil war. 1963 The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country. **1963:** The Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country. **1968:** Arenal Volcano erupts. **1972:** Costa Rica created the 1,680-acre Manuel Antonio National Park. **1987:** President Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua. **2006:** Arias is elected president for the second time. (kids.yahoo.com) Back to Top **Questions:** 1.Which Spanish explorer discovered Costa Rica? In what year? a. Christopher Columbus in 1562 b. Vasco de Gama in 1502 c. Christopher Columbus in 1502 d. Hernando Cortez in 1520
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2. What year did Central America break away from Spain and become Independent? a. 1502 b. 1838 c.1821

Answers: //(highlight for answers)// 1. c 2. c = =

__**References**__

Linssen, A. (n.d.). Costa Rica History Timeline. //Guide to Costa Rica//. Retrieved April 22, 2011, from http://www.ticocentral.com/timeline.htm

TIME. (n.d.). Time for Kids-Around The World-Costa Rica. //Time For Kids-Classroom//. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/aw/wr/main/0,28132,1597311,00.html