How did the cold war cause a change in U.S. Policy towards Nicaragua?

Answer 1

The U.S. policy was always to support the ruling Somoza clan since 1937, including the father and the son "Tachito", since "he is a bas*tard, but he is our bas*tard". The position of head of the 'Guardia Nacional' was given by father to the son. Whoever was the leader of the National Guard was the de facto ruler of the country. The Cold War only brought continued support for the Somozas, until President Carter withdraw support for the dictatorship citing the multiple human rights violations. In 1981, President Reagan quickly renewed support for the ex-National Guard leaders, called "Contras", and like the Somoza clan - they were America's "bas*tards", supported and funded by the CIA, Oliver North, John Singleton, illegal arms sales to Iran, and the sale of cocaine. Sadly for Nicaragua, the Cold War and the U.S. policies meant 10 years of civil war from which it is still recovering.