Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The Contras were right-wing, anti-Marxist rebel groups engaged in a protracted conflict against the Marxist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Contras constituted right-wing, anti-Marxist rebel groups within Nicaragua, engaged in a protracted guerrilla war from 1979 to 1990 against the Marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) government, which had assumed power following the Nicaraguan Revolution.
The primary objective of the Contras was to overthrow the Marxist Sandinista government and its associated governing bodies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The principal objective of the Contras was the overthrow of the Marxist governments led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the Junta of National Reconstruction, which had governed Nicaragua since 1979.
The Contra guerrilla war against the Sandinista government spanned from 1979 to 1990.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Contras actively engaged in a guerrilla war against the Nicaraguan government throughout the period spanning from 1979 to 1990.
The Contras opposed the Marxist Sandinista government, which was allied with the communist party of Cuba.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Contras directed their opposition towards the Marxist governments established by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the Junta of National Reconstruction, which maintained close ties with Cuba.
Who were the Contras in the context of Nicaraguan history?
Answer: Right-wing, anti-Marxist rebel groups fighting the Sandinista government.
Explanation: The Contras constituted right-wing, anti-Marxist rebel groups within Nicaragua, engaged in a protracted guerrilla war from 1979 to 1990 against the Marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) government, which had assumed power following the Nicaraguan Revolution.
What was the primary objective of the Contras?
Answer: To overthrow the Marxist Sandinista government and the Junta of National Reconstruction.
Explanation: The principal objective of the Contras was the overthrow of the Marxist governments led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the Junta of National Reconstruction, which had governed Nicaragua since 1979.
During which period did the Contras actively engage in guerrilla warfare in Nicaragua?
Answer: 1979 to 1990
Explanation: The Contras actively engaged in a guerrilla war against the Nicaraguan government throughout the period spanning from 1979 to 1990.
Which political faction did the Contras primarily oppose?
Answer: The Marxist governments of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the Junta of National Reconstruction.
Explanation: The Contras directed their opposition towards the Marxist governments established by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and the Junta of National Reconstruction.
The Contra movement was composed of various factions, including the FDN and ARDE.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Contra movement was composed of several principal factions, including the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN) and the Democratic Revolutionary Alliance (ARDE) Frente Sur.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a main constituent group of the Contra movement?
Answer: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN)
Explanation: The Contra movement was composed of several principal factions, including the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN), the Democratic Revolutionary Alliance (ARDE) Frente Sur, YATAMA, and Misura. The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) was the government force they fought against.
Who were identified as prominent leaders associated with the FDN faction of the Contras?
Answer: Adolfo Calero and Enrique Bermúdez
Explanation: Prominent leaders associated with the Contra factions included Adolfo Calero and Enrique Bermúdez, who were associated with the FDN. Other leaders mentioned include Commandante Franklin (FDN), Commandante Blas (YATAMA), and Steadman Fagoth (Misura).
The United States provided significant financial aid and military support, including training and arming, to the Contras.
Answer: True
Explanation: The United States provided substantial military assistance and financial aid to the Contras, encompassing financing, training, arming, and advisory roles, which were critical to their operational capacity.
The CIA was involved in persuading various Contra groups to unite, forming the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN).
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1981, the CIA, in collaboration with Argentina's intelligence services, facilitated the unification of various Contra groups, leading to the establishment of the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN).
The U.S. government opposed the Sandinista regime partly due to threats to American corporate interests and national security.
Answer: True
Explanation: The U.S. government cited threats to American corporate economic interests in Nicaragua and perceived national security risks as primary reasons for its opposition. President Reagan characterized the Sandinistas as promoting Cuban-style socialism and supporting leftist insurgencies in El Salvador.
The 'threat of a good example' argument suggests U.S. hostility stemmed from the Sandinistas' successful social programs potentially offering an appealing alternative model.
Answer: True
Explanation: This argument posits that U.S. opposition stemmed from the potential influence of the Sandinistas' successful social programs (e.g., literacy, health initiatives), which demonstrated the viability of a socialist-mixed-economy model and could serve as an alternative paradigm.
The Sandinista government sought assistance from Western European nations after the U.S. trade embargo in 1985.
Answer: True
Explanation: In response to the U.S. trade embargo declared in May 1985, the Sandinista government sought economic and diplomatic assistance from Western European nations, aiming to reduce its dependence on the Soviet Union.
The Reagan administration's Office of Public Diplomacy focused on disseminating pro-Sandinista information to the U.S. public.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Reagan administration's Office of Public Diplomacy for Latin America and the Caribbean orchestrated a campaign to shape U.S. public opinion and influence congressional votes on Contra aid. This involved disseminating pro-Contra publications and arranging events, as well as compensating consultants for writing pro-Contra newspaper articles without disclosing their government affiliation.
What was the nature of United States involvement with the Contras?
Answer: The U.S. provided substantial military assistance, financial aid, training, and advising.
Explanation: The United States provided substantial military assistance and financial aid to the Contras, encompassing financing, training, arming, and advisory roles, which were critical to their operational capacity.
How did the CIA contribute to the consolidation of Contra forces?
Answer: By persuading various groups to unite, forming the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN).
Explanation: In 1981, the CIA, in collaboration with Argentina's intelligence services, facilitated the unification of various Contra groups, leading to the establishment of the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN).
What were stated reasons for the U.S. government's opposition to the Sandinista regime?
Answer: Threats to American corporate interests and national security.
Explanation: The U.S. government cited threats to American corporate economic interests in Nicaragua and perceived national security risks as primary reasons for its opposition. President Reagan characterized the Sandinistas as promoting Cuban-style socialism and supporting leftist insurgencies in El Salvador.
The 'threat of a good example' argument suggests U.S. hostility towards the Sandinistas stemmed from:
Answer: The potential appeal of successful Sandinista social programs as an alternative model.
Explanation: This argument posits that U.S. opposition stemmed from the potential influence of the Sandinistas' successful social programs (e.g., literacy, health initiatives), which demonstrated the viability of a socialist-mixed-economy model and could serve as an alternative paradigm.
How did the Sandinista government attempt to mitigate the effects of the U.S. trade embargo declared in May 1985?
Answer: By seeking assistance from Western European nations.
Explanation: In response to the U.S. trade embargo declared in May 1985, the Sandinista government sought economic and diplomatic assistance from Western European nations, aiming to reduce its dependence on the Soviet Union.
How did U.S.-supplied Redeye missiles impact the Contra's military capabilities?
Answer: They significantly enhanced the Contras' ability to counter Sandinista helicopter gunships.
Explanation: The U.S.-supplied Redeye missiles significantly augmented the Contras' capacity to counter the Sandinistas' Soviet-supplied Mi-24 helicopter gunships, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in large-scale raids.
What was the stated justification for the U.S. trade embargo against Nicaragua declared in May 1985?
Answer: Nicaragua's threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
Explanation: President Reagan declared a national emergency and instituted a trade embargo, asserting that Nicaragua constituted an 'unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States'.
The Boland Amendment aimed to increase U.S. government funding for the Contras' operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Boland Amendment comprised a series of legislative measures enacted by the U.S. Congress intended to restrict or prohibit U.S. government funding for the Contras' operations, particularly those aimed at overthrowing the Nicaraguan government.
The Iran-Contra affair involved the diversion of funds from illegal arms sales to Iran to support the Contras, bypassing Congress.
Answer: True
Explanation: The sustained funding of the Contras by the Reagan administration, in defiance of the Boland Amendment, precipitated the major political scandal known as the Iran-Contra affair, which involved the diversion of funds from arms sales to Iran.
Oliver North established 'The Enterprise' to raise funds from third countries and private sources for the Contras, operating without standard government accountability.
Answer: True
Explanation: Oliver North established 'The Enterprise,' a clandestine organization designed to procure funds from third countries and private entities for the Contras. This entity operated autonomously, managing its own assets and becoming a pivotal element in the Iran-Contra scandal.
Manuel Noriega was reportedly uninvolved in any dealings related to Contra funding or drug trafficking.
Answer: False
Explanation: Reports suggest that Manuel Noriega, Panama's military leader, was involved in facilitating the flow of drug money utilized for Contra funding, with the knowledge of the U.S. government.
Senator John Kerry's 1988 committee report concluded that U.S. policymakers were receptive to using drug money to fund the Contras.
Answer: True
Explanation: The report concluded that senior U.S. policymakers exhibited receptiveness towards the utilization of drug-derived funds as a means to address the financial requirements of the Contras.
Carl Channell's organization raised funds used partly to create television advertisements targeting undecided representatives regarding Contra aid.
Answer: True
Explanation: With the assistance of Oliver North, Carl Channell's organization raised approximately $10 million. A portion of these funds was allocated to the production of television advertisements specifically targeting the congressional districts of undecided representatives regarding the issue of Contra aid.
What was the purpose of the Boland Amendment?
Answer: To restrict or halt U.S. government aid to the Contras.
Explanation: The Boland Amendment comprised a series of legislative measures enacted by the U.S. Congress intended to restrict or prohibit U.S. government funding for the Contras' operations, particularly those aimed at overthrowing the Nicaraguan government.
The Iran-Contra affair is primarily associated with which action?
Answer: The U.S. government illegally selling arms to Iran and diverting profits to fund the Contras.
Explanation: The sustained funding of the Contras by the Reagan administration, in defiance of the Boland Amendment, precipitated the major political scandal known as the Iran-Contra affair, which involved the diversion of funds from arms sales to Iran.
What was 'The Enterprise' in the context of the Iran-Contra Affair?
Answer: A clandestine organization established by Oliver North to raise funds for the Contras from external sources.
Explanation: Oliver North established 'The Enterprise,' a clandestine organization designed to procure funds from third countries and private entities for the Contras. This entity operated autonomously, managing its own assets and becoming a pivotal element in the Iran-Contra scandal.
What role did Manuel Noriega reportedly play concerning the Contras?
Answer: He facilitated the flow of drug money used to fund the Contras, with U.S. awareness.
Explanation: Reports suggest that Manuel Noriega, Panama's military leader, was involved in facilitating the flow of drug money utilized for Contra funding, with the knowledge of the U.S. government.
How did Carl Channell's National Endowment for the Preservation of Liberty support the Contra cause?
Answer: By raising funds, partly used for TV ads targeting undecided representatives on Contra aid.
Explanation: With the assistance of Oliver North, Carl Channell's organization raised approximately $10 million. A portion of these funds was allocated to the production of television advertisements specifically targeting the congressional districts of undecided representatives regarding the issue of Contra aid.
Reports accused the Contras of employing tactics such as kidnapping, torture, rape, and execution of civilians.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Contras were accused of employing tactics that included terrorism and human rights violations, such as the kidnapping of civilians, torture, execution of captured individuals, rape, indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the seizure of civilian property.
The CIA manual 'Psychological Operations in Guerrilla Warfare' advised the Contras to avoid any actions that could harm civilians.
Answer: False
Explanation: The manual provided guidance on rationalizing the killing of civilians, encouraged the shaming and humiliation of civilian leaders, and recommended the use of professional assassins for targeted actions, including gathering local populations to witness public executions.
Americas Watch reported that the Contras targeted healthcare clinics and workers for assassination.
Answer: True
Explanation: Americas Watch documented that the Contras targeted healthcare facilities and personnel for assassination, engaged in the kidnapping and torture of civilians, executed captured combatants (including minors), committed rape, perpetrated indiscriminate attacks on civilian property, and burned homes.
Edgar Chamorro testified that the CIA discouraged the Contras from using violent tactics against civilians.
Answer: False
Explanation: Edgar Chamorro testified that the CIA did not discourage the Contras' violent tactics, including the execution of civilians. He stated the agency criticized his public admissions of these actions and deemed such methods necessary for defeating the Sandinistas.
Contra leader Adolfo Calero denied deliberately targeting civilians, suggesting some 'cooperatives' were military sites.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adolfo Calero asserted that his forces did not deliberately target civilians, contending that locations identified as cooperatives were frequently military concentrations and that engagements only occurred when fired upon.
Gary Webb's 'Dark Alliance' series alleged that the Contras were involved in drug trafficking that contributed to the rise of crack cocaine in California.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Dark Alliance' series, published by Gary Webb in 1996, alleged that the Contras were involved in cocaine trafficking that contributed to the proliferation of crack cocaine in California, and suggested U.S. government awareness of these activities.
Major U.S. newspapers praised Gary Webb's 'Dark Alliance' reporting and called for investigations into Contra drug ties.
Answer: False
Explanation: Leading U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times, engaged in efforts to discredit Webb's reporting. An internal CIA assessment indicated the agency employed journalists to manage the ensuing public relations crisis.
The 'Tayacan' manual advised the Contras to avoid public executions and focus solely on military targets.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Tayacan' manual advised on methods for gathering local populations to participate in public tribunals designed to 'shame, ridicule and humiliate' Sandinista officials, and recommended the strategic use of public executions witnessed by the community.
Which of the following was NOT among the tactics reportedly used by the Contras?
Answer: Assassination of political opponents within the U.S.
Explanation: The Contras were accused of employing tactics that included terrorism and human rights violations, such as the kidnapping of civilians, torture, execution of captured individuals, rape, indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the seizure of civilian property. Assassination of political opponents within the U.S. is not listed among these reported tactics.
According to Americas Watch, which of the following violations were attributed to the Contras?
Answer: Targeting healthcare clinics and workers for assassination.
Explanation: Americas Watch documented that the Contras targeted healthcare facilities and personnel for assassination, engaged in the kidnapping and torture of civilians, executed captured combatants (including minors), committed rape, perpetrated indiscriminate attacks on civilian property, and burned homes.
What did Edgar Chamorro testify about the CIA's stance on Contra tactics?
Answer: The CIA encouraged the Contras to use violent tactics and considered them necessary.
Explanation: Edgar Chamorro testified that the CIA did not discourage the Contras' violent tactics, including the execution of civilians. He stated the agency criticized his public admissions of these actions and deemed such methods necessary for defeating the Sandinistas.
How did Contra leader Adolfo Calero address accusations of targeting civilians?
Answer: He denied deliberately targeting civilians, suggesting some 'cooperatives' were military sites.
Explanation: Adolfo Calero asserted that his forces did not deliberately target civilians, contending that locations identified as cooperatives were frequently military concentrations and that engagements only occurred when fired upon.
How did major U.S. newspapers and the CIA react to Gary Webb's 'Dark Alliance' reporting?
Answer: They worked to discredit Webb's reporting and manage the public relations crisis.
Explanation: Leading U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times, engaged in efforts to discredit Webb's reporting. An internal CIA assessment indicated the agency employed journalists to manage the ensuing public relations crisis.
By 1986, what was the general assessment of the Contras' military effectiveness and conduct?
Answer: They were criticized for corruption, human rights abuses, and military incompetence.
Explanation: By 1986, the Contras faced considerable criticism for corruption, human rights abuses, and military ineffectiveness. Following the failure of a significant offensive, their operations were largely reduced to isolated acts of terrorism.
What did the Canadian observer mission report regarding Contra actions during the October 1989 election period?
Answer: The Contras were responsible for killing 42 people, likely to disrupt the election.
Explanation: A Canadian observer mission reported that the Contras were responsible for the deaths of 42 individuals in October 1989, suggesting these actions were intended to disrupt the electoral process.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the United States had violated international law by supporting the Contras.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1986, the ICJ ruled that the United States had contravened international law and a treaty by supporting the Contras and mining Nicaragua's harbors. It also found the U.S. encouraged actions contrary to humanitarian law through the dissemination of a manual on psychological operations.
The United States fully complied with the ICJ's judgment and paid compensation to Nicaragua.
Answer: False
Explanation: The United States did not participate in the merits phase of the ICJ proceedings and subsequently utilized its position in the United Nations Security Council to block the enforcement of the court's judgment, thereby preventing Nicaragua from receiving reparations.
What was the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding U.S. actions in Nicaragua?
Answer: The U.S. violated international law by supporting the Contras and mining harbors.
Explanation: In 1986, the ICJ ruled that the United States had contravened international law and a treaty by supporting the Contras and mining Nicaragua's harbors. It also found the U.S. encouraged actions contrary to humanitarian law through the dissemination of a manual on psychological operations.
How did the United States respond to the ICJ's judgment against it?
Answer: It blocked the enforcement of the judgment through the UN Security Council.
Explanation: The United States did not participate in the merits phase of the ICJ proceedings and subsequently utilized its position in the United Nations Security Council to block the enforcement of the court's judgment, thereby preventing Nicaragua from receiving reparations.
The Contras began their voluntary demobilization in December 1989, following the Central American Peace Accord and subsequent negotiations.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Central American Peace Accord in August 1987 and subsequent negotiations in 1988, the Contras agreed to voluntary demobilization commencing in December 1989, a process that contributed to the de-escalation and eventual cessation of hostilities.
Daniel Ortega won the 1990 Nicaraguan presidential election, defeating Violeta Chamorro.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the February 1990 elections, Violeta Chamorro, representing the National Opposition Union (UNO), achieved victory with 55% of the presidential vote, defeating incumbent Daniel Ortega, who garnered 41%.
By 1989, the Contra war had resulted in minimal economic impact and few casualties in Nicaragua.
Answer: False
Explanation: By 1989, the protracted Contra war and the imposition of economic isolation had inflicted severe economic suffering upon the Nicaraguan populace, resulting in approximately 30,865 fatalities and widespread population exhaustion, factors that significantly influenced voter sentiment prior to the 1990 elections.
What event facilitated the Contras' agreement to voluntary demobilization starting in December 1989?
Answer: The signing of the Central American Peace Accord and subsequent negotiations.
Explanation: The Central American Peace Accord in August 1987 and subsequent negotiations in 1988 facilitated the Contras' agreement to voluntary demobilization commencing in December 1989, contributing to the cessation of hostilities.
Who won the Nicaraguan general election in February 1990, defeating Daniel Ortega?
Answer: Violeta Chamorro
Explanation: In the February 1990 elections, Violeta Chamorro, representing the National Opposition Union (UNO), achieved victory with 55% of the presidential vote, defeating incumbent Daniel Ortega, who garnered 41%.
What was the estimated death toll in Nicaragua by 1989 due to the Contra war and economic isolation?
Answer: Approximately 30,865
Explanation: By 1989, the protracted Contra war and the imposition of economic isolation had inflicted severe economic suffering upon the Nicaraguan populace, resulting in approximately 30,865 fatalities and widespread population exhaustion, factors that significantly influenced voter sentiment prior to the 1990 elections.
What did a June 1988 survey in Managua reveal about Nicaraguan public opinion?
Answer: A large majority opposed further U.S. aid to the Contras.
Explanation: The survey indicated that while the Sandinista government maintained substantial support, it had diminished since 1984. A significant majority expressed opposition to further U.S. aid to the Contras, and the war was identified as the principal national problem.
Which factors contributed to Violeta Chamorro's victory in the 1990 Nicaraguan election?
Answer: Public weariness with the war and government, and U.S. promises regarding the embargo.
Explanation: Chamorro's victory was likely influenced by widespread public weariness with the Sandinista government and the protracted war, coupled with assurances from the U.S. regarding the lifting of the economic embargo upon her election. Reports of intimidation tactics employed by both sides also played a role.
Sting's song 'Fragile' is described as a tribute to whom?
Answer: Ben Linder, an American engineer killed by the Contras
Explanation: Sting's song 'Fragile' serves as a tribute to Ben Linder, an American civil engineer who was tragically killed by the Contras in Nicaragua in 1987 while engaged in a hydroelectric project.
By 1989, the economic and social impact of the Contra War on Nicaragua included:
Answer: Severe economic hardship, widespread exhaustion, and approximately 30,865 deaths.
Explanation: By 1989, the protracted Contra war and the imposition of economic isolation had inflicted severe economic suffering upon the Nicaraguan populace, resulting in approximately 30,865 fatalities and widespread population exhaustion.
The video game series 'Contra' is noted for having a thematic link to the Nicaraguan conflict, evidenced by:
Answer: The ending theme song of the original game being titled 'Sandinista'.
Explanation: While a direct naming connection is not explicitly stated, the ending theme music of the original 'Contra' video game was titled 'Sandinista,' referencing the adversaries of the real-life Contras, thereby suggesting a thematic link.