The U.s. Policy On Nicaragua :1979-1990

Nicaragua is the biggest country in the Central American, which broke out anti-dictatorship struggle in 1979 and overthrew the rule of the U.S.-sponsored Somoza, set up a national rejuvenation interim government which cored with Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). This became another major historical event after the triumph of Cuba revolution. Confronted with the FSLN, the United States was hostile, and worried that Nicaragua became the second Cuba. From president Cater, the U.S. began to implement the policy of damaging Nicaragua, using economic, political, paramilitary and diplomatic activities. Finally, President Bush turned over FSLN regime through Nicaragua's 1990 election. After three presidents, during eleven years, the subversive activities produced far-reaching impact both toward Nicaragua and the United States. Currently, the domestic study of this topic is still slightly weak. This thesis draws lessons from the past study result, bases on Presidential Directive documents, tries to analyze the whole sequence of American policy toward Nicaragua during president Carter, Reagan and Bush, from which to reveal desiring for hegemony is the real purpose of American.This thesis including foreword, text, conclusion, and the text is divided into four parts.The foreword introduces the research both at home and abroad at present, and summarizes the significance and value of this theme.The first part, primarily discusses the position of Nicaragua in America's Cold War strategy. Before Nicaragua revolution in 1979, Nicaragua had been controlled by the U.S. in politics and economy. After revolution, the foreign policy performed by FSLN had caused the U.S. great unrest. The U.S. worried Nicaragua which is the biggest country in Central American became the second Cuba, therefore paid close attention to its activities.The second part, mainly discusses the foreign policy of President Carter toward Nicaragua. At the beginning of national rejuvenation interim government, the U.S. accepted the new government and provided some economic aid fund. The U.S. hoped through supporting moderates within Nicaragua's new government, then the government won't relay on USSR and Cuba. With the triumph of Nicaragua revolution became more and more influential, and the disappearing of the moderates; the U.S. attitude toward Nicaragua had changed to hostile.The third part, mainly discusses the foreign policy of President Reagan toward Nicaragua. President Reagan implemented "low intensify war" strategy against Nicaragua, and supported Contra which opposed to Nicaragua's new government. The U.S. carried out military strikes, economic sanction, and diplomatic isolation against Nicaragua, but its purpose didn't come true for several reasons.The fourth part, mainly discusses the foreign policy of President Bush toward Nicaragua. In view of the changed international situation, President Bush carried out strategies which were different from the two previous presidents, focused on "peaceful, democratic" means. After a serial of previous preparation and foreshadowing, President Bush finally overthrew FSLN regime through 1990 election. Mrs. Chamorro became the new president of Nicaragua, set up a pro-American regime. The American's purpose comes true.Conclusion, the three American presidents had some consistency in their policy toward Nicaragua, although the means of implementation were different. The U.S. made its effort to keeping their "leading position" in the world, and thought American interests higher than anything else. The U.S. hit the democratic regimes which go against American values. The U.S. turned over FSLN regime which reflected its fear of the expansion of USSR and communism, also reflected the hypocrisy of American democracy.