Customer Reviews

The Sandino Affair

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sandino's insurgency in Nicaragua during the 1930's had debate teams in American high schools asking the question why the US Marine Corps was indeed involved in Central America. Decades later, debate teams would be asking why US Marines and other elements of the Armed Forces were about to intervene in a war in Iraq...
MacAulay has obviously done his homework in this suburb book. He details Sandino's rise and history, from his travels to Mexico and meetings with various Bolsheviks, to his ultimate betrayal by Somoza. MacAulay also shows how Sandino and his men peservered in a jungle enviornment, cut off without roads or running water, and how the first aerial attack was executed in the Americas.
MacAulay does not demonize the Marines, as lesser writers and ideologues would love to. Indeed, he even pays tribute to that greatest of all Marines, Lewis "Chesty" Puller, and his company of Marines and Nicaraguans who fought the Sandinistas on their own terms...and won.
It is a pity that this book is out of print. Generations of historians and military history buffs will not be disappointed in this breathtaking history of the Nicaraguas.

Outstanding book. Excellent historical account of General Sandino and the genesis of the nationalist struggle in Nicaragua. A little vague on the extent of American commercial interest the US Marines were sent to protect. This book should be read by anyone looking to understand guerrilla warfare. Espcially useful in paralleling combat tactics used by the viet-cong or any nationalist insurgency. Should be required reading for all troopers headed to advise against the FARC and ELN.

I understand this book was Maculay's doctoral thesis, and I think exceeds the purpose. Written with such a fine style the reader is situated in the jungles of Nicaragua experiencing guerilla warfare at its best. It is a well documented work. In addition to reviewing previous titles on the subject, Macaulay did extensive research on Marine Corps archives to produce an unbiased and scientific study of the struggle. Also, the portrait of the character is highly accurate of this little man ( only 5'-4") born as illegitimate son in a nicaraguan village, yet his nationalism and valor had monumental influence throughout generations of latin-americans. As of today his presence is still vivid and controversial.

Outstanding book. Excellent historical account of General Sandino and the genesis of the nationalist struggle in Nicaragua. A little vague on the extent of American commercial interest the US Marines were sent to protect. This book should be read by anyone looking to understand guerrilla warfare. Espcially useful in paralleling combat tactics used by the viet-cong or any nationalist insurgency. Should be required reading for all troopers headed to advise against the FARC and ELN.