The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: Developments in Africa and the Americas - the Impact of US Intervention in Latin America, Nicaragua

Question 1

Which group seizes power in Nicaragua?

Answer 1

• The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)

- Led by Daniel Ortega Saavedra

Question 2

When did the FSLN take power?

Answer 2

• June 1979

Question 3

What did Reagan think of the Sandinistas?

Answer 3

• Reagan regarded Sandinistas as communists and likened Nicaragua to Cuba

Question 4

Which Nicaraguan groups did the US support?

Answer 4

• Anti-communist groups under the umbrella term Contrarevolucionarios (the Contras)

Question 5

What aid did the US provide the Contras?

Answer 5

• Funds
• Equipment
• Training to the Contras
• Pressured neighbouring Honduras, a pro-American state, to provide a safe haven for the Contras

Question 6

When did the Contras carry out a major attack?

Answer 6

• March 1982

Question 7

How did the Sandinistas respond to the major Contra attack?

Answer 7

• Imposed press censorship
• Restrictions on civil liberties
• Introduced universal military conscription

Question 8

How did Reagan try supporting the Contras without congressional approval?

Answer 8

• CIA tried persuading Israel and Taiwan to provide funding
• Profits from illegal arms sales to Iran funded black market arms for Contras
• CIA mined Nicaraguan harbours and refused to pay reparations when ordered to by the International Court of Justice