<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The history of El Salvador begins with several Mesoamerican nations, especially the Cuzcatlecs, as well as the Lenca and Maya . In the early 16th century, the Spanish Empire conquered the territory, incorporating it into the Viceroyalty of New Spain ruled from Mexico City . In 1821, the country achieved independence from Spain as part of the First Mexican Empire, only to further secede as part of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1823 . Upon the republic's dissolution in 1841, El Salvador became sovereign until forming a short - lived union with Honduras and Nicaragua called the Greater Republic of Central America, which lasted from 1895 to 1898 . </P> <P> From the late 19th to the mid-20th century, El Salvador endured chronic political and economic instability characterized by coups, revolts, and a succession of authoritarian rulers . Persistent socioeconomic inequality and civil unrest culminated in the devastating Salvadoran Civil War (1979--1992), which was fought between the military - led government and a coalition of left - wing guerrilla groups . The conflict ended with a negotiated settlement that established a multiparty constitutional republic, which remains in place to this day . </P>

Which area did not gain independence from european control before 1950