Background information before conducting the interview/surveys

Before starting the project, I had the opportunity to speak with the director of UNA's history department, Douglas Calderon. As we see throughout the history of various Latin American countries, it is plague with conflict and violence. Costa Rica had a military since the colonial times, and the military the country had in the 19th century was very powerful compared to its neighborhood countries.

Just like any other Latin American countries, Costa Rica faced many internal conflicts. One of the early conflicts Costa Rica faced was the invasion of Nicaragua, led by American William Walker. How ever, Costa Rica was not only able to push Walkers forces out of Costa Rica, but push them far back into Nicaragua.

In 1948, Costa Rica suffered from its  bloodiest civil war the nation ever faced. The 44 day conflict, starting in March 12th to April 24th, was fought between the National Liberation Army (Led by  and the Costa Rican government. This was the result due to accusations of fraud after the presidential elections were held earlier that year in February. Otilo Ulate won the election, but with the false accusations made by not only the government but also the people, the holding president Picado demanded a recount. The next day, half of the ballots were burned, which resulted into the elections to be annulled, and the unpopular president Picado remained in power.

Jose Figueres, a old time rival of Ex President Calderon (support President Picado and his rise to power) returned to Costa Rica after being in exile for nearly six years. While tension grew in the government, he took the opportunity to capture the airport in San Isidro, which was used to airlift foreign arms and the Liberation Army was assembled. President Picado declared a siege of the state, and used Costa Ricas army, borrowed troops from the Nicaraguan army, and utilize banana workers from the communist unions in order to fight Figueres Liberation Army. Figueres was supported by the US and Guatemala. The conflict saw a loss of 2,000 lives, the most of any Costa Rican conflict. The war ended with a peace treaty and president Picado stepped down from presidency. Figueres served as a interim president for 18 months, and during that time he helped draft the new constitution.

Great change came when Figueres was in power. The communist party was abolished (this was done in order to get economic aid from the US), voter rights for women and blacks, various social reforms just to name a few. How ever, the action that not only shocked Latin America but the world was Figueres decision to abolish the military. This was done during the start of the Cold War, which in that time was necessary to maintain an army due to global conflicts.
There are many factors leading towards the abolishment of the army. For starters, as history showed repeatedly throughout Latin America, militaries would constantly take control of the government. This would be done through military coups and dictators ensuring their control by utilizing the militaries. Figueres did not want another dictator to rise once again in Costa Rica nor want lives being taken away due to a ruthless leader. Other benefits from abolishing the military is the economic benefits of not having a military budget. For an example, the US currently have a military budget that the senate approve of a $716 Billion. In the eyes of the Costa Ricans, having their budget focus solely on the military is not only unnecessary, but a waste. According to Figueres, the money can be spend on other important areas such as education and healthcare.
From the military abolishment, the standard of living in Costa Rica shot up dramatically. In the 1950's and 60's, various hospitals and schools were built thanks to the increase budget the nation. Life in the rural areas of the country improved greatly, and those living in poor communities now have access to almost equal healthcare and education opportunities to those who are wealthy. Young men are not required to do military service as seen in other countries, so their lives would be disturbed or paused in case of a national threath. Costa Rica also managed to have peaceful relationships with neighborhood countries, and was able to avoid armed conflicts since they did not posses an army to sen troops to. Despite being defenseless, Costa Rica have military protection from nations such as the United States. The abolishment of the military proved to be highly beneficial and is an exemplar of a peaceful nation.