The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: Developments in Africa and the Americas - the Impact of US Intervention in Latin America, Nicaragua Flashcards
Which revolutionary group seizes power in Nicaragua?
- The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)
- Led by Daniel Ortega Saavedra
Which right wing dictator was overthrown?
Somoza
When did the FSLN take power?
- June 1979
What was Carter’s approach to the Sandinistas?
Carter tried to retain influence by recognising the government and providing funds in hopes they would not turn to the USSR
What did Reagan think of the Sandinistas?
- Reagan regarded Sandinistas as communists and likened Nicaragua to Cuba
Which Nicaraguan groups did the US support?
- Anti-communist groups under the umbrella term Contrarevolucionarios (the Contras)
What aid did the US provide the Contras?
- Funds
- Equipment
- Training to the Contras
- Pressured neighbouring Honduras, a pro-American state, to provide a safe haven for the Contras
When did the Contras carry out a major attack?
- March 1982
How did the Sandinistas respond to the major Contra attack?
- Imposed press censorship
- Restrictions on civil liberties
- Introduced universal military conscription
How did Reagan try supporting the Contras without congressional approval?
- 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
When did the Sandinista Contra civil war end?
1989
FSLN win
When was the Football War?
1969
What was the Football War?
Brief war fought between El Salvador and Honduras
Tensions led to rioting during the 1970 FIFA world cup qualifiers
July 1969
Organisation of American States (OAS) negotiate ceasefire, with the US heavily involved in this, emphasising outreach of US in S. America
