The Nicaraguan-Contra War, also known as the Contra War, was an armed conflict that took place in Nicaragua from 1981 to 1990. This war was primarily between the Sandinista government and various factions known collectively as the Contras, who were supported by the United States.
The conflict has its roots in the 1979 overthrow of the Somoza family dictatorship by the Sandinista National Liberation Front. The Sandinistas, a left-wing coalition, established a revolutionary government aimed at redistributing land and nationalizing industries. This shift in government and policy alarmed the United States, which viewed the Sandinista regime as a potential threat due to its Marxist-Leninist ideology and its alignment with Cuba and the Soviet Union.
In February 1990, elections were held, and the opposition coalition, UNO (National Opposition Union), led by Violeta Chamorro, won, marking the end of the Sandinista government. The Contras demobilized, although some groups continued as paramilitary forces for a time. The war left Nicaragua economically devastated and with widespread social disruption.
The Nicaraguan-Contra War had long-lasting effects on Nicaraguan society, politics, and economy. It highlighted issues of foreign intervention in sovereign nations, human rights abuses, and the complexities of Cold War politics in Central America. The conflict also played a significant role in shaping US foreign policy regarding support for insurgencies and the ethical implications of such actions.