Somoza (García), Anastasio (1896–1956)

Nicaraguan soldier and politician, president 1937–47 and 1950–56. As head of the Nicaraguan army, he deposed President Juan Bautista Sacasa, his uncle, in 1936 and assumed the presidency the following year, ruling as a virtual dictator from 1937 until his assassination in 1956. He exiled most of his political opponents and amassed a considerable fortune in land and businesses. Members of his family retained control of the country until 1979, when they were overthrown by popular forces.

He was succeeded by his sons Luis Somoza Debayle (1922–67), who was president 1957–63, and Anastasio Somoza Debayle (1925–80), who ruled 1963–79, when he was overthrown by the leftist Sandinista rebels (he, too, was later assassinated).