Communism in the 1980's: Grenada
Objective: Learn vocabulary terms related to the crisis President Reagan faced in 1983, and learn how events in Grenada affected the United States.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan was concerned about the island nation of Grenada. he feared Grenada's communist neighbor, Cuba, was using its large army to help Grenada become a communist force in the Caribbean Sea. In October, the relationship between the U.S. and Grenada became extremely tense when Maurice Bishop, the Prime Minister of Grenada was assassinated. The new rebel Grenadian government was controlled by strict communist leaders.
The United States was the most powerful democracy in the world. President Reagan believed it was his duty to protect the freedom of U.S. citizens and promote freedom around the world. In particular, President Reagan was concerned for the safety of the American students who were living in Grenada, attending St. George's Medical University. He needed to evacuate the students before they became hostages or casualties of the crisis in Grenada.
The United States was the most powerful democracy in the world. President Reagan believed it was his duty to protect the freedom of U.S. citizens and promote freedom around the world. In particular, President Reagan was concerned for the safety of the American students who were living in Grenada, attending St. George's Medical University. He needed to evacuate the students before they became hostages or casualties of the crisis in Grenada.
Vocabulary
1. Communism:
2. Democracy: 3. Prime Minister: 4. Rebel: 5. Hostage: 6. Casualties: 7. Assassinated: |
Definition
A. A person who is captured and held against his/her will.
B. The leader of the government in some countries. C. To kill a person usually by a surprise attack. D. Form of government under which one party owns all property and businesses; citizens enjoy few rights. E. A person that is harmed or killed as a result of war. F. Form of government run by elected officials under which all citizens enjoy many freedoms and rights. G. A person that fights against his/her government. |
Answer the following questions in your Briefing File
What is the difference between a communist government and a democratic government?
Why was President Reagan concerned about the threat of communism around the world?
Why would the President be concerned for the safety of the American on Grenada?