In the 1980s, tensions developed quickly between the leftist Sandinistas and the U.S. government. When promised U.S. economic aid was delayed by Congress, the new revolutionary government turned to other nations, particularly Cuba, for advisers and technicians, and intensified the disapproval of American foreign policy in Latin America.
Explanation:
The National Guard of Nicaragua used military strategies taught by the CIA to contain FSLN's guerrilla movements, but they were unable to bring an end to their revolutionary efforts. It is evident that the United States feared revolutions throughout Latin America, believing that they were revolting against democracy in favour of socialism. They believed that Cuba was creating the domino effect in Latin America, which would result in more countries siding with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Â
Under the American presidency of Ronald Reagan, the United States were involved in the formation of the Contras, a rebel group that opposed the FSLN government. The U.S. played a very large role in financing, training, arming, and advising the contras over a long period. The Contras were only capable of carrying out significant military operations due to the support they received from the United States. Â
The United States started its involvement in Nicaragua for the sole reason of protecting United States based investments in the country. The United States was forced to battle its growing threat of communism by economic and political support in Latin America. They were so heavily involved with Nicaraguan affairs during this era as the United States feared the expansion of communism in Latin America. They believed that if they lost Latin American to the Soviet Union, they would be at a critical disadvantage in the Cold War. However, these excuses and fears are not enough to justify the encouragement of violating basic human rights as warfare strategy. Â
After Congress banned contra aid, the Reagan administration secretly continued to fund the Contras. The Reagan administration was so fixated on the contras, believing that if they continued to provide financial aid, the support for the contras would increase and would oppose the Soviet influence in Nicaragua. As it was American funds that assisted the contras, the United States was also responsible for the cruel and inhumane acts committed by the contras. The Contras killed, tortured, raped, mutilated and abducted hundreds of civilians simply because the civilians were accused of sympathising with the Sandinistas. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs stated that the Contras, and the United States by association, were the "worst human rights violators in Latin America". It is clear that U.S. involvement in Nicaragua can not be justified.
