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Somoza Dictatorship Falls
The Somoza dictatorship that had been in place since 1933 is overthrown by Sandinista rebels. President Carter recognizes the new regime and sends $83 million in economic aid. -
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Conflicts in Central America and the Caribbean
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Reagan Switches Sides
President Reagan switches his support from the Sandinista government to rebels known as Contras in Nicaragua. reagan claims the Sandinista government has ties to the Soviets. -
Congress and Military Clash
By 1983 the Contra Army had grown to nearly 10,000 strong. American officials from the CIA stationed themselves in Nicaragua to direct operations but without approval from Congress. As a result, Congress passed the Boland Amendment, banning military aid to the Contras for two years. -
Iran takes Americans hostage
Terrorist groups loyal to Iran take Americans hostage> reagan denounced Iran and urged US allies not to sell weapons to Iran for it's war with Iraq. Reagan would later declare that Americans would never make concessions to terrorists. -
Grenada Conflict
President reagan sends 2,000 troops to Grenada after noting that the island was developing ties with Communist Cuba. The troops overthrew the government and established one that was pro-US. 18 soldiers died in the assault, but Reagan deemed it a necessary cause. -
Scandal Comes Out
News comes out that Reagan approved the sale of arms to Iran in exchange for the release of the hostages. In addition to this, Reagan's staff sent some of the profits to Contra rebels in Nicaragua--in direct violation of the Boland Amendment. -
The iran-Contra Trial
After listening to testimonies and witnesses, including the infamous Oliver North testimony, Special Prosecutor Lawrence E. Walsh indicted several members of the Reagan staff, including North. -
Panama Conflict
President Bush sends 20,000 soldiers and marines into Panama to overthrow Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Even though he received money from the CIA, he was involved in drug trafficking , indicted by a Miami grand jury, and after he was captured was flown to the US to stand trial. -
Free Elections in Nicaragua
President Daniel Ortega holds the first free elections in Nicaragua and Violeta de Chamorro, a Contra supporter, was elected the nation's new president. -
Noriega Sentenced to Prison
In 1992, Noriega was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Some Latin Americans deplored the "Yankee imperialism" but a majority of US and Panamanian citizens were pleased with the actions
