IV. Further Abuse of Power
A. Iran-Contra Scandal
The Story Arms Export Control Act (1980) – Regan declares Iran a terrorist nation and makes it illegal for the U.S. to sell weapons 1983 – Terrorist groups loyal to Iran captured American hostages
Ronald Reagan urged all of America’s allies to not sell weapons to Iran Iran and Iraq were fighting in a war at the time
Question Whose side did the United States fight on during the Iran and Iraq War? Fought with Iraq
1986 – 1986 – American public learned that Reagan had been violating his own policies U.S.A. had been secretly selling antitank and antiaircraft missiles to Iran
B. Goal of Selling Arms to Iran Reagan believed that selling weapons to Iran would lead to the release of American hostages Bad plan and big embarrassment for Reagan
C. Contras Contras – Nicaraguan rebels who received assistance from the Reagan administration for their efforts to overthrow their communist government
Contras
D. Congress Gets Mad Boland I – (1982) Congress made it illegal for any American to send money to support terrorist groups Reagan responds by sending the Contras more money and guns
E. Congress Gets Really Mad Boland II (1984) – Congress again says no support for the Contras
A Poser For Ron Oliver North – Reagan asks him to set up a secret account to continue aid for the Contras
Oliver North
The Enterprise Private Donors – 12 Millions Third World Countries – 34 Million Arms Sales – 10 Million
F. Scandal Unraveled 1986 – It is discovered that Reagan had violated his own policies Also discovered that Oliver North had played a key role in giving money to the Contras
Reagan denies having any knowledge at first Reagan denies having any knowledge at first North claims that he was simply following the President’s orders 1988 – Various members of the Reagan administration are found guilty of violating his own laws
Question Could have Reagan been impeached for his actions?
G. George to the Rescue December 24, 1992 – President George H.W. Bush pardoned all members involved in the scandal