Cramer, JaneChari, AnitaHofmann, Emily2023-08-182023-08-182023https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2868047 pagesScholars argue that Reagan was obsessed with Nicaragua, but the nature of this obsession is a matter of debate. The purpose of this study is to explain the true causes of President Ronald Reagan’s obsession with Nicaragua. This research was derived through process tracing of declassified documents, campaign papers, presidential speeches, news reports, and scholarly analyses. This study finds that Reagan’s focus on Nicaragua was of his own making, and not a manipulation by his advisors as some contend. This study also argues that Reagan’s obsession was to control his public perception. This obsession was the driving force behind U.S. intervention in the region and Reagan was completely aware and approved of all activities in Nicaragua. His obsession remained prominent after Reagan’s re-election as he was unwilling to be characterized by the public and the Soviet Union as a weak leader who allowed an anti-religious, communist government to take power so close to the American border.en-USCC BY-NC-ND 4.0ReaganNicaraguaContrasCarterReligionThesis/Dissertation0009-0001-0964-7578