Historical Events tagged with "contra"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

John Poindexter Convicted in Iran-Contra Affair

April 7th, 1990 34 years ago

John Poindexter, former National Security Adviser, was convicted for his involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal concerning the secret U.S. arms sales to Iran and the funding of Contra rebels in Nicaragua. His conviction illustrated the legal ramifications of actions taken by government officials during controversial foreign policy maneuvers. The case garnered significant media attention due to its implications concerning executive power and accountability in U.S. governance.

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Crime & Law

Oliver North Sentenced in Iran-Contra Affair

July 5th, 1989 35 years ago

Oliver North was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerhard A. Gesell for his role in the Iran-Contra affair. The sentence included a three-year suspended prison term, two years of probation, a fine of $150,000, and 1,200 hours of community service. North, a National Security Council aide, became a central figure in the controversial operation that involved secret U.S. arms sales to Iran to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels. His convictions were later overturned, adding to the complexities of the case.

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Politics & Government

North and Poindexter Indicted for Conspiracy

March 16th, 1988 36 years ago

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North and Vice Admiral John Poindexter were indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. This indictment stemmed from their involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, where U.S. officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo, and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua fighting the Sandinista government. The indictment was significant as it highlighted the illegal actions taken by U.S. government officials in outmaneuvering Congressional constraints on military funding.

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Politics & Government

Congressional Hearings on Iran-Contra Affair

May 5th, 1987 37 years ago

The Congressional televised hearings on the Iran–Contra affair began in 1987, shedding light on the controversial covert operations undertaken by the Reagan administration. Key figures, including former National Security Advisor John Poindexter and Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, were called to testify before the Senate Committee. This pivotal moment drew significant public attention and scrutiny, revealing how arms sales to Iran funded Contra rebels in Nicaragua, circumventing Congressional restrictions. The hearings lasted several weeks, transmitting live coverage, making it one of the most-watched events of its kind in American history.

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Politics & Government

Meese Reveals Contra Funding From Iran Sales

November 25th, 1986 38 years ago

U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese publicly announced that profits from covert arms sales to Iran were illegally funneled to the Contras, anti-communist rebels fighting in Nicaragua. This announcement raised significant legal and political ramifications, implicating senior officials in a clandestine operation that bypassed congressional oversight. The revelation caught widespread media attention and highlighted the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

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Politics & Government

Oliver North Shreds Documents Amid Controversy

November 21st, 1986 38 years ago

Oliver North, a member of the National Security Council, and his secretary began shredding documents related to the Iran-Contra affair. This action raised immediate concerns about potential cover-ups and obstruction of justice during a period marked by significant political tension and scrutiny over U.S. foreign policy decisions. The shredding occurred in the midst of investigations into secret arms sales to Iran and the diversion of funds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

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Politics & Government

CIA Authorized to Support Nicaraguan Contras

November 23rd, 1981 43 years ago

Ronald Reagan signed the National Security Decision Directive 17, authorizing the CIA to recruit and support Contra rebels in Nicaragua. This directive was a significant step in U.S. involvement in Nicaragua, aimed at countering the Sandinista government established in 1979. The Contras were a group of rebel fighters opposing the Sandinista regime, which the U.S. viewed as aligned with communism. The decision reflected Reagan's broader agenda to confront perceived communist threats in Central America.

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