"The situation was different in Central America and the Caribbean. In these areas, like the Soviet Union in Poland, the USA faced problems in a traditional sphere of influence. This helped explain the American invasion of Grenada in 1983. A more sustained issue was posed by Nicaragua, where the Americans had intervened militarily against radicals in the 1920s. The left-wing Sandinistas who gained control of Nicaragua drew inspiration and support from Cuba, and also provided support for left-wing rebels in neighbouring El Salvador. Concerned about the risk of instability throughout Central America, and the wider regional challenge, and determined to mount a robust response, the Reagan administration applied economic, political and military pressure on the Sandinistas, providing funds from 1981 to train and equip the Contras, a counter-revolutionary force that was based in neighbouring Honduras. Although the Contras helped to destabilise Nicaragua, inflicting considerable damage, they could not overthrow the Sandinistas. The Contra threat increased the bellicosity of the Sandinista state. In contrast to indirect pressure on Nicaragua, the USA successfully used its military in October 1983 in Operation Urgent Fury against the Caribbean island of Grenada, a former British colony. This operation was motivated by concern about Grenada’s leftward move, and the possibility that this would lead to a Cuban and Soviet military presence. There was a tendency to see Grenada as another Cuba. The island was seized and the government changed."