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| 1979, June |
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| As Somoza bombed several major cities, Sandinista forces called for a general strike and final offensive to overthrow the dictator. A broad insurrection, including all classes of Nicaraguans, rallied behind the Sandinista forces to overthrow Somoza. | 1 |
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| June 8 |
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| The FSLN launched an attack on Managua, whereupon Somoza used National Guard planes to bomb the capital. The capital was completely encircled within a month. During this time U.S. secretary of state Cyrus Vance proposed that an OAS peacekeeping force be sent to Nicaragua, but he was rebuffed by all sides. | 2 |
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| July 16 |
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| Under pressure from Archbishop Miguel Obando y Bravo and the U.S. government, Somoza agreed to go into exile in the U.S., clearing the way for revolutionary victory. | 3 |
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| July 18 |
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| The new ruling junta, composed of three Sandinistas but including moderates Alfonso Robelo and Violeta Chamorro, entered Managua in triumph. The toll of the war was an estimated 50,000 dead, over $1.3 billion in damages, and a foreign debt totaling $1.6 billion. The five-member junta, along with a legislative and consultative assembly, was responsible to the nine-member FSLN directorate. | 4 |
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