Chilly Ol War in Africa Flashcards
Overview of Belgian Congo
Sides of internal civil war backed by USSR/US, resulting in exacerbated conflict
Lumaba
pro-Soviet Prime Minister of Belgian Congo; USSR sent weapons and advisors
-assassinated in 1961 (possibly by CIA)
Kasauuba
pro-west President of Belgian Congo; US sent weapons and CIA
UN involvement in Belgian Congo
Sent in BLUE HELMETS (20,000) to protect the Europeans (Belgians)
Results of Belgian Congo
Commander of army, Mobutu declared himself president
Overview of Nicaragua
Years of brutal dictatorships culminated in a civil-war-turned-Cold-War-conflict
Dictators of Nicaragua
- Anastasio Somoza (supported by US and US-instated National Guard) rules from 1937-1956
- Son Anastasio Jr. becomes even more oppressive leader from 1967-1979
Sandinistas
Radical group that gains control of the gov. after Anastasion Jr. overthrown; Violeta Chamorra, Saavedra = representatives; backed by USSR
Contras
guerilla groups made up of former members of the National Guard; backed by US
Nicaragua conflict
1980’s = civil war b/w Contras/Sandinistas
Results of Nicaragua
Ceasefire in 1988, US/USSR pull out
Iran-Contra Affair
Reagan’s Watergate; public finds out that Iran army sale profit –> funding the Contra rebels/Sandinista resistance after PROMISING not to get involved in foreign conflicts after Vietnam
2 Main Causes of Iran-Iraq War
- Iraq: Saddam Hussein seized control of government, and named Iran/Saudi Arabia as enemies - turned to USSR for support, and received aid from France (nuclear) and Italy (naval/air training) as well
- Iran: 1979 Islamic Revolution deposed the Shah and instated Ayatollah Khomeini as leader
White Revolution
Iran Shah’s reforms for education/health care/agriculture/women that ended up failing; SAVAK secret police killed all dissent
Iran-Iraq War
Iraq invades Iran in 1980; Iran launches counter-offensive in 1981. Back and forth attacks and captures until 1988