The Somoza dynasty refers to a powerful political family in Nicaragua that dominated the country's government for several decades during the 20th century. The dynasty began with Anastasio Somoza García, who seized power in 1937 and established a dictatorship that lasted until his assassination in 1956. His sons, Luis Somoza Debayle and Anastasio Somoza Debayle, continued the family's control over Nicaragua, with the latter ruling until the Sandinista Revolution in 1979. The Somoza regime was characterized by authoritarian rule, corruption, and close ties to the United States. The family's wealth and power were built on land ownership and business interests, leading to widespread inequality and discontent among the Nicaraguan population. The fall of the Somoza dynasty marked a significant turning point in Nicaragua's history, paving the way for the rise of the Sandinista National Liberation Front.