Descripcion:Family that maintained political control of Nicaragua for more than 40 years. The dynasty's founder, Anastasio Somoza García (1896--1956), became head of Nicaragua's army in 1933 and, after deposing the elected president in 1936, ruled the country with a firm and grasping hand until he was assassinated. He was succeeded by his elder son, Luis Somoza Debayle (1922--67), and later by his younger son, Anastasio Somoza Debayle (1925--80), whose corrupt and brutal rule (1963--79) led to his overthrow by the Sandinistas. Somoza looted Nicaragua before fleeing the country; he was assassinated in Paraguay.
