The Cold War was a period in history just after the end of World War II and it ended in 1991, when the USSR disintegrated . The conflict opposed two types of governments: communists and capitalism (democrats). The USSR represented the communist camp, while the United States represented the democrats. Both countries had nuclear weapons and did not want to directly confront each other because they did not want mutual assured destruction (MAD). So they fought through other countries, through proxy wars. Global tensions related to the Cold War affected a few countries in certain regions, for example Central America. United States involvement helped Nicaragua economically, militarily, and politically. When Central America got rid of Spanish colonial rule, it failed to get rid of the dictatorship. For over a century, countries in this region were ruled by dictators, which made it easier for the United States to control these countries. However, in 1979, a Nicaraguan revolutionary group called the Sandinistas took over the government led by General Somoza, who was very corrupt and did not listen to his citizens. (“Reagan Affair and “Iran-Contra.” BBC News. BBC, May 6, 2004. Web. May 13, 2014). Although the revolutionaries did not support or promote communism, their actions nevertheless frightened and worried the United States. These actions included replacing the National Guard with its own army and ceding money and land. Ronald Reagan was not happy about this because these drastic changes in Nicaragua made people in other Central American countries think about revolutions. The first superpower to get involved in this country was the United States, as Reagan was afraid that communism would spread throughout Central America and the United States, being a democratic country... middle of paper. . finally stop sponsoring the revolutionaries. In return, Nicaragua held free elections, the Sandinistas were eliminated, and a new president came to power. Nicaragua was finally a free country. In a sense, the United States actually helped Nicaragua politically, because without the influence of the United States, Nicaragua might still be a country with dictators. The Sandinistas had also made Nicaragua's economy worse because of their changes, so when the government changed in 1990, things improved for the country's economy. History.com. A&E Television Networks, and Web. May 13, 2014. “Reagan Affair and “Iran-Contra.” BBC News. BBC, May 6, 2004. Web. May 13, 2014. “Iran-Contra Affairs.” PBS. PBS and Web. May 12, 2014. “The Contras” Brown. Brown, and Web. May 12 2014