Overview
The 6th grade curriculum covers critical historical events that shaped Costa Rica into the peaceful, democratic nation it is today. Students learn about the National Campaign, liberal reforms, social guarantees, and the abolition of the army.National Heroes
Study the Campaign of 1856-57 and heroes like Juan Santamaría and Juan Rafael Mora
Modern Democracy
Explore the reforms and decisions that created Costa Rica’s unique democratic system
Lesson 1: La Campaña Nacional (1856-1857)
The National Campaign was Costa Rica’s fight against William Walker and his filibusters, who attempted to conquer Central America and restore slavery.Key Figures
Juan Rafael Mora Porras
Juan Rafael Mora Porras
- Born in San José in 1814
- President three times (1849-1859)
- Promoted coffee exports, public lighting
- Led the national defense despite having no formal education
- A visionary leader who modernized the country
William Walker
William Walker
- American adventurer (doctor and lawyer)
- Declared himself President of Nicaragua in 1856
- Sought to extend slavery throughout Central America
- Represented the Manifest Destiny ideology
- Ultimately defeated and executed in Honduras
Historical Context
International Causes
International Causes
Imperialism: Powers like England and the USA wanted to control the regionManifest Destiny: The idea that the USA should expand across the entire continentMonroe Doctrine (1823): “America for the Americans” - but meant for US controlTransit Route: Nicaragua was key for travel to California (Gold Rush) via the San Juan River and Lake Nicaragua
Nicaragua's Civil War
Nicaragua's Civil War
- Liberals (León) vs Conservatives (Granada)
- Liberals hired Walker and his filibusters as mercenaries
- Walker betrayed them and took power for himself
- This threatened all of Central America
Major Battles
Batalla de Santa Rosa (March 20, 1856)
- First victory on Costa Rican soil
- Lasted only 14 minutes
- Proved Costa Ricans could defend their sovereignty
- Located in Guanacaste
Batalla de Sardinal (April 10, 1856)
- Stopped filibuster advance via Sarapiquí River
- Protected northern border
- Strategic defensive victory
The Cholera Epidemic
Consequences
National Identity
Consolidated Costa Rican national identity and unity
National Heroes
Created heroes: Juan Santamaría, Juan Rafael Mora, Pancha Carrasco
Central American Unity
Strengthened bonds between Central American nations
Independence Secured
Proved Costa Rica could defend its sovereignty
Lesson 2: El Estado Liberal y los Sueños de Progreso
At the end of the 19th century, under the motto “Order and Progress”, Costa Rica began modernization led by General Tomás Guardia (1870).Liberal State Characteristics
Economic Development
Economic Development
- Focus on coffee exports as main economic engine
- Construction of infrastructure (roads, railways)
- Encouragement of foreign investment
- Growth of middle class through commerce and education
Individual Freedoms
Individual Freedoms
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of worship (practice any religion)
- Separation of Church and State
- Civil control over previously religious matters
The Railway to the Caribbean
To export coffee to Europe more cheaply, Costa Rica needed a port on the Caribbean side. The government took a loan from England, but it wasn’t enough.
Minor Keith and the Railway
Minor Keith and the Railway
- American entrepreneur Minor Keith finished the railway
- In exchange, received land to cultivate bananas
- This changed the Caribbean economy completely
- Founded the United Fruit Company
- Brought workers from Jamaica, China, and Italy
Major Liberal Reforms
Educational Reform (1886) - Mauro Fernández
Educational Reform (1886) - Mauro Fernández
Made primary education:
- Gratuita (Free)
- Obligatoria (Mandatory)
- Laica (Secular - independent of religion)
Legal Reform
Legal Reform
- Civil marriage (not just religious)
- Divorce became legal
- State control over vital records
Religious Reform (Secularization)
Religious Reform (Secularization)
- Cemeteries transferred from Church to State control
- Religious education removed as mandatory
- State became sovereign over civil matters
Cultural Achievements
Teatro Nacional
Built with a tax on coffee exports. European neoclassical style. Symbol of cultural aspiration.
Colegio de Señoritas
Founded to educate women. Progressive for the era.
Electric Light
San José became the 3rd city in the world with public electric lighting
Telegraph
Improved communication throughout the country
Lesson 3: El Estado Social y las Reformas de 1940
The liberal model left problems: poverty, malnutrition, and lack of labor rights. Workers had no minimum wage or health insurance.The Visionary: Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia
President Calderón Guardia formed a historic alliance between the Government, Catholic Church, and Communist Party to pass groundbreaking social reforms.
The Great Reforms of the 1940s
Universidad de Costa Rica (1941)
First modern public university. Gave youth access to professional education.
Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)
Social security for health and pensions. Revolutionary healthcare access.
Garantías Sociales (1943)
Constitutional rights: vacations, right to strike, 8-hour workday, minimum wage.
Código de Trabajo (1943)
Labor Code protecting workers from employer abuse.
Key Labor Rights Established
These reforms were included in the Constitution to ensure they couldn’t be easily removed. They represent Costa Rica’s commitment to social justice and human dignity.
Lesson 4: La Guerra Civil de 1948
The annulment of the 1948 elections (won by Otilio Ulate) and electoral corruption led to civil war.José Figueres Ferrer (“Don Pepe”)
The Revolutionary Leader
The Revolutionary Leader
- Led the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (National Liberation Army)
- Started uprising at his farm “La Lucha Sin Fin”
- War lasted 44 days
- Changed the course of the nation
Achievements of the Second Republic
Abolition of the Army (December 1, 1948)
Abolition of the Army (December 1, 1948)
- Figueres abolished the army as a permanent institution
- Symbolic act: Breaking down the wall of Bellavista Barracks (now National Museum)
- Budget redirected to education and health
- Made Costa Rica unique in the world
Women's Suffrage
Women's Suffrage
- Women gained the right to vote for the first time
- First woman to vote: Bernarda Vásquez
- Revolutionary for Latin America in 1949
Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
- Independent electoral tribunal created
- Guarantees clean, fair elections
- Politicians cannot control the electoral process
Nationalization of Banks
Nationalization of Banks
- Banking system nationalized
- Central Bank created to control monetary policy
- Prevented political control over finances
Expanded Citizenship
Expanded Citizenship
- Afro-Costa Ricans and people of Asian origin gained citizenship and voting rights
- More inclusive democracy
Constitution of 1949
The current Constitution is the fundamental law that governs us today. It established:
- Right to life (life is inviolable)
- Freedom of thought and expression
- Permanent prohibition of the army
- All the social guarantees from 1940 were maintained
Legacy of 1948
Peace
Country of peace without an army
Democracy
Strong democratic institutions
Education
Investment in people, not weapons
Equality
Secret and universal vote
Rights
Protected social guarantees
Stability
Peaceful transition of power
Lesson 5: Ciudadanía y Desafíos Actuales
Active Citizenship
Being a citizen is not just about voting. It’s about participating in:
- Student Government (Gobierno Estudiantil)
- Community committees
- Civic acts and celebrations
- Environmental protection
- Respect for laws and others
Sample Quiz Questions
National Campaign Questions
National Campaign Questions
Q: ¿Quién fue el presidente que lideró la Campaña Nacional?
A: Juan Rafael Mora PorrasQ: ¿Qué edificio quemó Juan Santamaría en la Batalla de Rivas?
A: El Mesón de GuerraQ: ¿Qué enfermedad causó más muertes que la guerra misma?
A: Cólera
A: Juan Rafael Mora PorrasQ: ¿Qué edificio quemó Juan Santamaría en la Batalla de Rivas?
A: El Mesón de GuerraQ: ¿Qué enfermedad causó más muertes que la guerra misma?
A: Cólera
Liberal State Questions
Liberal State Questions
Q: ¿Quién impulsó la reforma educativa en 1886?
A: Mauro FernándezQ: ¿Qué producto se empezó a cultivar masivamente gracias al ferrocarril?
A: BananosQ: ¿Cuál era el lema del Estado Liberal?
A: Orden y Progreso
A: Mauro FernándezQ: ¿Qué producto se empezó a cultivar masivamente gracias al ferrocarril?
A: BananosQ: ¿Cuál era el lema del Estado Liberal?
A: Orden y Progreso
Social Reforms Questions
Social Reforms Questions
Civil War of 1948 Questions
Civil War of 1948 Questions
Q: ¿En qué año se abolió el ejército en Costa Rica?
A: 1948Q: ¿Quién lideró el Ejército de Liberación Nacional?
A: José Figueres FerrerQ: ¿Qué institución se encarga hoy de las elecciones?
A: TSE (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones)
A: 1948Q: ¿Quién lideró el Ejército de Liberación Nacional?
A: José Figueres FerrerQ: ¿Qué institución se encarga hoy de las elecciones?
A: TSE (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones)
Learning Objectives
Understand the National Campaign
Explain causes, major battles, heroes, and consequences of the 1856-57 war
Analyze Liberal Reforms
Identify how education, infrastructure, and secular reforms modernized Costa Rica
Value Social Guarantees
Understand workers’ rights and the creation of social security as fundamental achievements
Appreciate Democratic Values
Recognize why abolishing the army and guaranteeing free elections makes Costa Rica unique
A: Rafael Ángel Calderón GuardiaQ: ¿Qué significan las siglas CCSS?
A: Caja Costarricense de Seguro SocialQ: ¿Cuántas horas es la jornada laboral máxima?
A: 8 horas