A Review of the Sandino Affair by Neill Macaulay

A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past. Fidel Castro

Who better to author the account of the "dirty little war" which pitted the U.S. Marines and the guerilla forces of Augusto Cesar Sandino than a man who is both a historian and a first-hand combatant revolutionary? Neill Macaulay's role as a lieutenant in Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement Army lends an authentic pen to illustrating the tactics, politics and international reaction to the native revolt of peasant, Indian and rural worker against both the U.S. involvement in the government and politics of Nicaragua.

To a reoccurring backdrop in Latin America, motivated individuals were drawn into insurgent rebellion against an installed government, stolen election and U.S. interference on foreign soil. These backwater combatants learned quickly the virtue of stealth, utilizing geographic complications and unconventional tactics to their advantage in the jungles and mountains of Nicaragua. The sum of these attributes was that the U.S. "doctrines of war were useless." (Macaulay 174)

Sandino and his nationalist movement proved a hard target to hit under these tactics. American Minister Mathew Hanna expressed just this when he announced to the Department of State "banditry cannot be eliminated and order restored by present means and methods." (Macaulay 178) What the U.S. soldiers faced was contrary to the forces that they had trained for on Paris Island, what they found success with in WWI and left them on uneasy, and unfamiliar ground.

Like other revolutionary movements in Latin America, Sandino's nationalist motivation was forged in response to a perceived foreign imperialist influence upon his country and the instillation of a president. Sandino led his army in an attempt to end both the U.S. interference in Nicaragua and against the conservative government that the U.S. backed in the civil war that ensued.

What is poignant in the tale of Augusto Sandino is the they echo similar aspects to other revolutionary movements in Latin America. Both Sandino and Zapata (Mexico) as historical figures were thrust into their roles due to legitimacy issues in politics and government. Both of these charismatic figureheads applied guerilla tactics against larger, better-equipped armies...and succeeded in slowing the cogs of war against all odds. Zapata and Sandino shared the ideology of reform, liberal, progressive ideals for the population in general and sought nationalistic, patriotic goals for their respective countries. Further, both Zapata's and Sandino's downfall was precipitated by their disinclination to appeasement.

Both were unwilling to compromise the tenets of their movement-leading to friction with promising comrades and politicians who would have afforded both these characters political and actual security in ties to new governments and an end to aggression. Unfortunately, they share also the ill fate of being betrayed by politicians that gained from their exploits. Sandino and his Army in Defense of the National Sovereignty of Nicaragua aided Liberal rebel Commander General José María Moncada in gaining the Presidency of Nicaragua. This done, Moncada distanced himself from the guerillas as he made pacts with the U.S. military. Sandino vowed to continue to wage his war and found himself at the wrong end of Nicaraguan politics again, as he and his army were targeted by both national and foreign troops. Sandino declares Moncada's government unconstitutional and continues to fight. Like Zapata, Sandino finds himself on the outs with his compatriot as the other rises to power and does not stay true to the ideals fought over.

When Sandino pledged his loyalty to the new President Sacasa, a past liberal leader, and enters into agreement to de-mobilize his men, Sandino and his entourage were rounded up by Sacasa's men and executed...As Zapata was in Mexico. Each one believing that they were doing their patriotic duty, standing up for their ideals, their people and the general independence and equality of the peasant class subjugated under unconstitutional regimes.

The story of Augusto Cesar Sandino stands out as a Robin Hood tale, where a charismatic man and a band of outlaws stand up against the forces in the name of citizens, country and progressive pursuits. Macaulay's keen take on the quest for Nicaraguan liberalism, free of U.S. involvement is truly a testament to the character and virtue found in rebellion movements in the wake of imperialism and counterfeit governments.

Latin America has deep roots in popular revolution, past and present. The flowers of these roots are conspicuous against the travel of time, as imperial and political designs from outsiders and domestic would-be usurers of the populous will be repelled by men like Augusto Cesar Sandino, who advocate for liberty and the defense of common people against foreign interference and political elitism. Macaulay's book represents well both the historical facts, the details and decisions of a nationalist movement and insight into the mind of a guerilla. As both a historian and a player in a rebellion himself, the trials of Sandino and the U.S. Marines are documented lyrically and with an awareness and acumen they deserve.