Westward via Nicaragua: the United States and the Nicaragua route 1826-1869

The great exodus to the west following the discovery of gold in 1848 has attracted the attention of numerous western historians. Much has been written about the overland journey, the voyage around Cape Horn, and travel by the Isthmus of Panama. Considerable attention has also been paid to the dispute with Great Britain over her position in Central America and to the activities of the filibuster William Walker. In all of this literature, notwithstanding the many references to the subject, the full story of the Nicaragua route has never been told. The purpose of this work is to attempt to show the part that the transit played in the westward movement of the United States. In doing this, attention will be focused on the growth of an isthmian policy and the capitalistic struggle for control of the route.