A historical review of Costa Rica tries to catch some moments of history: uncomplete and selected windows of time. In this part: Costa Rica’s way to democracy

Costa Rica has avoided the violence that has plagued Central America; it is seen as an example of political stability in the region. Since the late 19th century only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development.

In 1889, the first democratic elections were hld, although women and blacks were not allowed to vote. But in 1917 the Minister of War overthrew the elected president and formed a dictatorship until 1919.

In the 40ies, tensions between the conservatives and the socialists grew and escaleted in a full scale civil war in 1948. After the war, a new constitution was established and any armed forces (except police) abolished. This made Costa Rica the first country ever to operate within the democratic system without the assistance of a military (an example that was later followed by other nations such as Panama after the American invasion of 1989 to oust General Noriega).

(via Wikipedia)

Read part 1, part 2 and part 3 of this series.

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