THE INVASION OF GRENADA

October 1983

Background Grenada is a small

island located in the Carribean.

Grenada was a former British Colony and part of the commonwealth.

Maurice Bishop took power from the former unpopular despotic regime on March 13, 1979 in a almost bloodless coup.

Main Factions The United States of

America.,Main aggressors in invasion.

Grenada split between Maurice Bishop backed by New Jewel movement, and The Grenadian Army

Other Caribbean nations, played parts in supporting Grenada or U.S.A

Tension Maurice Bishop and the

New Jewel Movement (NJM) were working toward a socialist government.

Relations with communist countries such as Cuba gained disapproval from U.S

Economic pressuring of Grenada by U.S caused Grenada to look to Cuba for more assistance. Maurice Bishop and Fidel

Castro

Escalation Grenada received funds

to build airport at Port Salines.

U.S. argued that the airport was unnecessary and was really for communist militaristic purposes.

Assassination of Maurice Bishop and high ranking officials of NJM by Grenadian Military sparks U.S. Intervention.

Invasion Operation Urgent

Fury U.S. and nations of

the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) invade Grenada.

U.S. most dominant military force involved.

U.S. mostly destroys Grenadian resistance.

ForcesU.S. AND OECS GRENADA AND CUBA

Initially around 1,200 U.S. soldiers rising to 7,000 over a short period of time.

Around 300 OECS soldiers

About 1,500 Grenadians and around 700 Cubans were the resistance forces.

CASUALTIES:Cuba: 25 killed 59 wounded 638

capturedGrenada:45 killed 358 wounded

U.S: 19 Killed 116 woundedAt least 24 civilian casualties

U.S. Objective Justified Invasion as a rescue mission of

medical students studying in Grenada. Also used formal plea from OECS as

justification Ultimately wanted to stop another Cuba

from springing up in Caribbean

Result U.S. Victory replacing the “communist”

government and replacing with pro-western.

First American military victory since Vietnam.

Grenadian government left in a downfall.

U.S. Reaction Vast majority of population approved. However, some believed no Americans were

truly in danger before or after the Invasion. Overall public support of Regan increased,

as well as military support.

Effect on U.S. Proved U.S. would

not stand to see pro-Marxist/communist governments in Western Hemisphere

Negative world view on U.S. even by strong allies brought controversy.

Public support for Regan Administration raised.

Grenada Reaction Overall many Grenadians relieved to have some

order restored. Accepted the invasion as a liberation of Grenada.

Effect on Grenada Government left unstable Economy collapsed Poverty and unemployment rose for next few years. Dependant on American aid for years following.

World Reaction Highly negative reaction even from some of U.S. closest allies. United Nations condemned the armed intervention in Grenada U.S. seen as having no respect for international law and

legality of a country.

Overall Outcome Proved U.S. commitment to stop communism in Americas. Gained popular support for Regan Administration. Raised Anti-American sentiment in the world. Left Grenada free but ruined.