History of the United States II / Unit 16 USH2 2279 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Iran-Contra
The idea
The administration that took office as Iran released its American hostages then sold Iran arms for hostages. After Hezbollah seized Americans in Lebanon, Reagan's national security aides arranged the sale of weapons to Iran, and NSC aide Oliver North secretly used the proceeds to support the Contras, in direct violation of the congressional ban. The Yawp names the national security adviser Robert McFarlane with North.
In practice
Missiles for Iran and money for the Contras, one scheme connecting two regions of the world.
Where people slip
When the scheme was revealed in nineteen eighty-six, it provoked a major congressional investigation, Digital History records. North and others were indicted, but the charges, the anchor says, were dismissed, overturned on appeal or ended by presidential pardon, and Reagan escaped with criticism for lax oversight. Without a smoking gun, the Yawp says, talk of impeaching him went no further than talk.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for History of the United States II