The Cold War in the 1980s
1. How did Reagan change the narrative of the Cold War between the US & USSR?
Reagan shifted the narrative of the Cold War by moving from a policy of détente, which focused on negotiation and limited engagement, to a more confrontational stance. He emphasized the moral dimension of the struggle against communism, labeling the Soviet Union as an "evil empire." His administration increased military spending and aggressive rhetoric, promoting the idea that the US would outmatch the Soviet Union through military strength and technological advancement. Reagan also focused on supporting anti-communist movements around the world, framing the Cold War as a battle between freedom and tyranny.
2. What did the United States do in Lebanon & Libya during the 1980s?
In Lebanon, the United States intervened militarily in 1982 as part of a multinational force during the Lebanese Civil War. The US aimed to stabilize the country and support the government against various factions, including Palestinian groups and Syrian influence. However, the situation culminated in the tragic bombing of the US Marine barracks in October 1983, which killed 241 American servicemen. This event led to the withdrawal of US forces from Lebanon.
In Libya, the United States targeted the regime of Muammar Gaddafi through airstrikes in April 1986, following accusations that Libya was involved in terrorist activities, including the bombing of a Berlin discotheque that killed American servicemen. The US aimed to weaken Gaddafi's capabilities and deter further terrorism.
3. What was the Reagan Doctrine?
The Reagan Doctrine was a foreign policy strategy that sought to provide support to anti-communist insurgencies and movements globally, particularly in Central America, Africa, and Afghanistan. It emphasized military and financial assistance to those fighting against communist governments or groups, presenting the US as a champion of freedom. This doctrine marked a shift toward a more aggressive anti-communist stance during the Cold War.
4. How did the Reagan Doctrine play out in Grenada & Nicaragua?
In Grenada, the Reagan administration launched "Operation Urgent Fury" in 1983 to overthrow the Marxist government that had come to power. The US justified the invasion by citing the need to protect American citizens and restore order. The operation succeeded in installing a pro-Western government.
In Nicaragua, Reagan supported the Contras, anti-Sandinista rebels fighting against the leftist Sandinista government. This support became controversial and led to the Iran-Contra scandal, where funds from secret arms sales to Iran were diverted to the Contras after Congress had prohibited such funding.
Iran-Contra Scandal Turn & Talk
1. Who did Reagan support in Nicaragua?
Reagan supported the Contras, an armed opposition group fighting the Sandinista government in Nicaragua, which had socialist leanings and received support from the Soviet Union.
2. What did Iran get for helping the release of US hostages in Lebanon?
Iran played a role in facilitating the release of several American hostages held by Hezbollah in Lebanon. In exchange, the US secretly sold arms to Iran, which was then in the midst of the Iran-Iraq War and sought military support.
3. What did the US do with the $$$ Iran gave to the US?
The funds received from the sales of arms to Iran were diverted to support the Contras in Nicaragua, despite a Congressional ban on such funding. This use of funds became a central issue in the Iran-Contra scandal.
4. What did the Commission findings say about Reagan?
The Commission investigating the Iran-Contra scandal found that while President Reagan may not have directly orchestrated the operation, his administration had engaged in illegal activities. Reagan was criticized for failing to fully understand the implications of the policies and for not being more involved in oversight. There was no definitive conclusion that Reagan was guilty of wrongdoing, but the scandal revealed significant flaws in his administration's operations and communications.