Daniel Ortega's presidency in Nicaragua marked a critical juncture in Central American politics. Inaugurated in the aftermath of the 1979 Sandinista Revolution, which overthrew the Somoza dictatorship, Ortega became the face of a government that mixed revolutionary ideals with practical governance. His commitment to socialist principles attracted attention and ire from various international actors, particularly the United States. The administration aimed to implement significant land reforms, improve education, and provide health services, all while aligning with communist governments in Cuba and the Soviet Union for support and resources. This alignment was seen as a direct threat by the U.S., especially during the heightened tensions of the Cold War.As Ortega and the Sandinistas advanced their policies, the U.S. countered by funding and supporting the Contras, a group of rebel fighters opposing Ortega's government. This created a protracted conflict that would engulf Nicaragua in violence and instability. The U.S. rationale for supporting the Contras was framed within a broader strategy to contain communism in the Western Hemisphere. Furthermore, this conflict drew in neighbors and other regional powers, complicating the geopolitical landscape of Central America. The Sandinista government, while ideologically committed to socialism, found itself engaged in a survival struggle against both internal dissent and external pressures.