U.S. Invasion of Grenada

The Unites States invasion of Grenada in 1983 focused on stopping the spread of Communism from Cuba into the surrounding countries, one which included the small country of Grenada in which a Communist faction captured and assassinated the president, Maurice Bishop, and assumed power. In an attempt to end the spread, Reagan deployed 1200 Marines into Grenada where they were surprised with heavy gunfire from both Grenadians and a force of 500 Cubans upon which 19 Marines were killed. However victory was swift and the United States placed a pro-American government and instead of the old leftist government under Maurice Bishop. Many thought it unconstitutional or an abuse of power for Reagan to deploy troops, but Reagan countered claiming the Invasion was on behalf of American students and doctors working and studying in Grenada upon which the Marines rescued and evacuated safely. This impacted American society in that it provided a victory for Americans and it boosted National pride. As for American politics, it played a key role in Reagan's reelection in 1984 upon which he won the presidency with 525 electoral votes to 13 in which the only states that did not vote for Reagan were Minnesota and the District of Colombia. Following the Invasion of Grenada, the spread of Communism halted in the Caribbean but the looming threat of Cuba remained. However, the international media as well as the Grenadians were shocked that the United States would actually invade. Don Rojas, Prime Minister of Grenada at the time even stated that the invasion was similar to that of the situation in Iraq only calling the Iraq invasion "Grenada on steroids."