Effects of Foreign Interference on Nicaragua Essay Example

opposition forces based in Honduras that aimed at causing instability and overthrowing the Nicaraguan government.

The co-operatives and successful farms in the country were targeted by S. Contras, who conducted a range of destructive actions including bombing the farms, kidnapping workers, killing livestock, polluting the land with chemicals, and instilling fear within the industry. It is important to mention that these contra attacks were funded by the CIA and Pentagon, leading to approximately $250 million (U.S. 1982 dollars) in property damage.

The contras have caused immense damage to Nicaragua's food supply through the deliberate destruction of peasant farms, granaries, tractors, and trucks. As a result, the country's agriculture sector has been completely devastated, leaving it unable to nourish its population or support its farmers' livelihoods. This has had a profound economic impact since agriculture is one of Nicaragua's key industries. Moreover, the light-industrial production sector, which provided employment for many non-farmer Nicaraguans, also incurred significant harm.

In the 1970's, Nicaragua's industry had a major influence on the country as it imported raw materials and semi-finished goods. These imports were then processed and sold not only in Nicaragua but also in other parts of the western world, making up 25 percent of the country's GDP. Unfortunately, in the early 1980's, Nicaragua faced difficulties in exporting American products due to a trade embargo imposed by the U.S.

As a result of the United States embargo, Nicaragua experienced a cessation in both the arrival of goods and trading partners who exported to the country. This ultimately led to a deficit in technology, parts, and raw materials for the light-production industry. Consequently, due to this scarcity, the industry eventually collapsed as it

was unable to acquire the essential resources needed for manufacturing.

Although Nicaragua's largest trading partner, the United States has exerted considerable economic pressure through sanctions. These sanctions have had an impact on trading relationships and production levels, ultimately leading to the need for Nicaragua to restructure its struggling economy. It is evident that the U.S. aims to achieve this desired outcome.

Their objective was to inflict damage on the Nicaraguan economy by prohibiting trade, consequently impacting industrial production. Their destructive aim was successfully achieved, as Nicaragua relied heavily on trade as a significant component of its economy during the 1970s. Trading with numerous foreign nations brought substantial benefits to Nicaragua, as it held advantageous trading relationships with both the U.

S. and its allies, such as the Soviet Union and its satellite states, had a significant trade partnership with Nicaragua. This included trading agricultural products, raw materials, health equipment, minerals, foodstuffs, and various other goods with almost every country worldwide. Meanwhile, the U.S.

Despite attempts to impose a trade embargo, Nicaragua's economy remained unaffected. Surprisingly, the Nicaraguan people found alternative trading partners to overcome this setback. However, the situation took a dark turn when the CIA illegally and brutally attacked Nicaragua by mining its harbors. This aggression disrupted international trade as ships carrying exports or imports faced constant threats of destruction. As a result, global trade in Nicaraguan waters came to a halt as vessels were unwilling to transport goods due to fear of explosions. The CIA was slow in responding to the Senate Select committee's inquiry regarding their covert activities in Nicaragua, specifically harbor mining.

After the briefing, it was determined that the covert operations had greatly damaged

Nicaragua's capacity to engage in international trade. "Once again, the U.S.,"

S. has effectively accomplished its objective by inflicting significant harm on Nicaragua's economy. The United States of America specifically targeted Nicaragua's agriculture, light industrial production, and trading industries with the intention to cause devastation. This merciless goal was attained through the utilization of the contra's, implementation of economic sanctions, and involvement in military actions. Consequently, the economy of Nicaragua suffered greatly, causing a decline in employment opportunities and hindering citizens' ability to sustain themselves. Ultimately, this led to a diminished quality of life for the people.

Throughout its history, Nicaragua has undergone significant and turbulent political transformations. Prior to 1990, no political leader willingly gave up power in the country. Over time, Nicaragua has been governed by various entities including the Spanish empire, conquistadors, Mexico, a confederation of Central American states, numerous dictators, a US citizen, a socialist government, several "puppet governments," the US marines, and now a democratically-elected government. The United States has exerted unparalleled influence on Nicaraguan politics and has invaded sovereign Nicaragua more than seven times in the past two centuries.

The United States consistently undermines the authority of the Nicaraguan government through direct interventions that challenge its sovereignty. The most recent intervention involved undermining the Sandinista government and unilaterally interfering with its right to determine its own political system. Additionally, it openly supports or finances rebellions by groups that do not represent the majority. By meddling in Nicaraguan sovereignty, the US significantly hampers the country's standard of living by preventing a stable political climate.

The United States government has clearly violated the sovereignty of Nicaragua by attempting to "play God" in deciding who

prioritizes the country's best interests.

The Nicaraguan government has been destabilized by the contras, who have launched attacks against government troops and hindered its control over the economy through actions like sanctions and mining Nicaraguan waters. Additionally, the United States supports them in not acknowledging any left-wing Nicaraguan government as legitimate.

Despite purportedly comprehending Nicaragua's best interests, it is evident that the U.S. places its own interests ahead of Nicaragua's, leading to a considerable deterioration in the quality of life for Nicaraguans.

The U.S. was primarily worried about Nicaragua allying with the Soviet sphere of influence. When the new Sandinista government began supporting social programs and promoting fair wealth distribution, they were accused of being communists by the U.S. As a result, the U.S. launched an attack on the Sandinista government.

Although the United States claims to advocate for freedom and democracy, many true democrats and moderate liberals have sought comfort in the welcoming arms of the Soviet Union. They perceive America as highly hypocritical based on its actions. Throughout history, the US has openly backed fascist dictators who have ruthlessly oppressed and led to countless deaths. This explicit support for oppressive regimes has been especially noticeable in Nicaragua.

S. supported the pre-Sandinista, Somoza dictatorship whose family stole millions out of Nicaraguan tax coffers and abused the poor taking kickbacks from the rich. Yet, the U.S. supported the corrupt Somoza family because at that time, it was profitable, Somoza's let in huge U.

S. companies held large amounts of arable land in the United States.

The United States ignored the suffering experienced by impoverished Nicaraguans and aimed to establish a capitalist government influenced by them, benefiting from the dictatorship and continuing

exploitation.

The United States impeded the Sandinista government in Nicaragua with the objective of converting the country into a free market and preventing Nicaraguans from determining their own political and economic system. By denying them this right, the U.S. hindered their freedom and incited political instability, ultimately reducing their quality of life.

Through the provision of military aid and technical assistance, the U.S. government has supported the contras in Nicaragua, thereby contributing to political instability and war.

The contras represent the typical Nicaraguan citizens and illustrate America's involvement in Central America. This participation has resulted in a risky political atmosphere in Nicaragua, leading the Sandinista government to prioritize self-preservation and depend on internal resources instead of focusing on beneficial initiatives.

Political turmoil in Nicaragua has emerged as a result of these actions, resulting in decreased trust and faith in the government. The United States has consistently violated both international and national laws while ostensibly trying to protect the people of Nicaragua, thus exacerbating the harm. Through openly undermining the current leadership, interfering in its political structure, and supporting an uprising that does not accurately represent the population, the U.S. obstructs the reforms introduced by the Sandinista government. Consequently, this creates less political stability, increased violence, and a lower standard of living for Nicaraguans.

In the 1970s, Nicaragua provided its citizens with remarkable social services including healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. The government aimed to strengthen the country by investing in its people. Unfortunately, this progress was disrupted when the United States intervened militarily and took control of Nicaragua. As a result, these vital social services were destroyed. Prior to this interference, Nicaragua had exceptional healthcare facilities and was recognized

by the World Health Organization in 1983 for its excellence in this area. Additionally, Nicaragua had more qualified doctors per capita than many developed Western nations.

Nicaragua underwent a period of modernization and capital improvement, successfully eliminating diseases such as polio. Nevertheless, the negative effects of the trade embargo became apparent, leading to healthcare providers expressing their frustration over the inability to treat patients due to shortages in medicine and supplies. The US trade embargo severely restricted access to essential items like medicines and vaccinations, greatly affecting the health system. Consequently, Nicaraguans' quality of life declined and their confidence in the government's ability to meet their needs diminished. Despite these difficulties, Nicaragua boasted an exceptional education system.

Literacy rates in Nicaragua were increasing steadily. In 1982, the literacy rate in Nicaragua was higher than that in the U.S. The government prioritized education and made efforts to encourage rural children to attend school. It even financially supported students who wished to study abroad for university. Additionally, two new universities were constructed within a five-year period, and the government was initiating an adult education plan. However, the situation changed when the U.S. intervened.

Started providing financial and military support to the contras, who were trained and equipped to undermine Nicaragua by demoralizing its citizens. The contras initiated a campaign of terror against educators and their institutions, specifically aiming at teaching facilities, personnel, and institutions, thus resulting in a reversion to the Somoza dynasty.

The Somoza dynasty was a period of limited services, including schools. The education system in Nicaragua was severely damaged by the contra's funded by the U.S., who targeted teachers' training schools, terrorized students, and killed staff. This destruction

has greatly affected the quality of life for Nicaraguans. Furthermore, social welfare programs such as old age security, welfare, pension plans, and disability payments were introduced in Nicaragua to assist the poor. However, when the government had to allocate significant resources to defend against the U.S., these programs suffered greatly.

Aggression takes priority over other programs like health and education when it comes to national defense and the inability to provide basic needs. The ongoing war directed by the US endangers significant advancements in health, education, and political reform. This is due to the fact that a quarter of the national budget has to be redirected towards defense due to attacks by the contras. This means that no new projects in health or education have been possible since July 1984.

All government programs, except those under review, have been suspended. The cancellation of social welfare benefits will have a destabilizing effect, once again demonstrating the United States' interference with a previously successful system. Nicaragua's once proud educational, health, and social welfare systems have all been destroyed by the United States in its cynical mission to dismantle the Sandinista socialist government. Through its economic sanctions, contra-war, and influence, the United States has effectively ruined the lives of these now-impoverished individuals. As a result of the destruction of these previously thriving social services, overall quality of life for Nicaraguans has declined. Nonetheless, the Sandinista reforms continue to succeed despite immense pressure from Washington.

President Regan asserts that if Nicaragua is indeed a threat to U. S. interests, it is because the hope it gives to the poor poses a threat to dominant economic interests. The policies of the United States

have led to a decline in the Nicaraguan people's quality of life. The United States has directly contributed to the erosion of the Nicaraguan economy, political stability, and social infrastructure. They have done so through funding, directing, and militarily supporting the contra war, imposing economic sanctions and pressuring allies to do the same, and using their own power and influence for their own sinister purposes. The foreign policies have negatively impacted Nicaragua as a whole.

Unfortunately, S. foiled the Sandinista's commendable effort to alleviate poverty in Nicaragua without any valid reasons. It has taken nearly two decades for the mistakes to gradually be rectified.