Contras+and+Sandistas+-+12-13

Contras and Sandinistas

**Description:**
The Sandinistas National Liberation Front (FSLN) were originally formed by nationalistic students who were outraged by the U.S. intervention in Nicaragua. The Sandinistas were heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist teachings, thus ideas from the communist ideology. The guerrilla army, also known as the Contras, fought against the Sandinista government of Nicaragua. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was in favor of the Contras, however the U.S. Congress and UN voted against such actions when reports were shown that the Contras had committed crimes regarding human rights abuses. Despite the opposing votes, President Ronald Reagan covertly supported the counter-rebellious Contras with weaponry and money. Because the Administration couldn’t get approval from Congress, illegal sales of weaponry was made with Iran, which possibly led to cocaine money to fund the weapons to the Contras. The U.S. was directly supporting groups of people who later become terrorists under Saddam Hussein.

**Nations Involved:**
Iran, Nicaragua, U.S.

** People/Groups: **
President Ronald Reagan Sandinistas National Liberation Front (FSLN) Contras CIA



**Dates:**
1961: The Sandinistan National Liberation Front (FSLN; named after Sandino) is founded in opposition to the regime. Ideologically, it sees itself as a Marxist-Leninist vanguard organization whose goal is to create a socialist state. They were inspired by the Cuban revolution and were anti-U.S. intervention. July 19, 1979: The Sandinistas take power.

January 20, 1981: Reagan is inaugurated in the context of a rightward shift in U.S. politics and concern about the Soviet Union. Due to the continued unwillingness of the Sandinistas to stop their support of Salvadoran rebels, Reagan soon cuts off all aid to the FSLN indefinitely. This prompts the FSLN to suggest that the U.S. would invade, thereby justifying further consolidation of power and crackdowns on perceived enemies.

**Outcome:**
In 1989, the Sandinista government signed an agreement that elections would be held, yet still remains as one of the strongest Nicaraguan political parties. Iran later becomes an enemy to the United States, thus America had sold weaponry to their future opponents. Even today the Sandinistas party is common amongst the people in Nicaragua.

**Influence on the Cold War:**
The USSR were supporting the Sandinista government, whereas the U.S. was covertly supporting the Contras. Just like any other event, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, there was no direct conflict involved amongst the Soviets and Americans, however led to tighter tension. Not only did America create more enemies, but also support their future threats.

Bibliography "1970-1987: The contra war in Nicaragua | libcom.org." //libcom.org //. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .

"Map - War in Nicaragua." //RCN D.C. Metro | High-Speed Internet, Digital Cable TV & Phone Service Provider //. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. . "Understanding the Iran-Contra Affairs - The Iran-Contra Affairs." //Brown University //. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .