An American Adventurer Steals Nicaragua
Published: June 30, 2026
Duration: 11:25
In the 1850s, a little-known American adventurer set out to do something almost unimaginable: seize control of a foreign nation and make himself its ruler.
His name was William Walker.
In this episode of History Shorts, we explore the extraordinary true story of the Tennessee-born lawyer, journalist, and soldier of fortune who launched a private military expedition into Central America and briefly became president of Nicaragua. Driven by ambition, ideology, and the era's belief in Manifest Destiny, Walker convinced supporters that he could expand American influence far beyond its borders.
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