Iran-Contra Affair Overview

The Iran-Contra Affair was a major political scandal during Ronald Reagan's presidency. It involved secret arms sales to Iran, despite an embargo, in exchange for hostages, with funds diverted to support the Contras in Nicaragua. The scandal was exposed in 1986, leading to investigations that revealed Reagan's lack of oversight. Although Reagan was not charged, several officials were found guilty. Despite the controversy, Reagan maintained high approval ratings upon leaving office.

What was the Iran-Contra Affair primarily known for?

• A trade agreement with Nicaragua

• A military victory in Iran

• A major presidential scandal

• A successful diplomatic negotiation

During the early 1980s, what was the primary focus of Reagan's foreign policy?

• Promoting global trade

• Reducing military spending

• Supporting anti-communist insurgencies

• Establishing peace treaties

Who were the Contras fighting against in Nicaragua?

• The Cuban military

• The Iranian government

• The Soviet Union

• The Sandinistas

What was the purpose of the Boland Amendment?

• To increase military funding

• To restrict US support for the Contras

• To establish diplomatic relations with Nicaragua

• To promote trade with Iran

How did Reagan's administration attempt to support the Contras despite the Boland Amendment?

• By secretly diverting funds from an arms deal with Iran

• By negotiating with the Soviet Union

• By forming an alliance with Cuba

• By increasing public military aid

What was the outcome of the arms deal with Iran?

• Military victory in Nicaragua

• Increased trade with Iran

• Peace treaty with the Sandinistas

• Release of American hostages

Who was the key figure that admitted to diverting funds to the Contras?

• John Tower

• Oliver North

• Robert McFarlane

• John Poindexter

What was the conclusion of the Tower Commission regarding Reagan's involvement?

• Reagan's lack of oversight allowed the scandal

• Reagan was completely unaware

• Reagan orchestrated the entire operation

• Reagan was directly implicated

How long did the televised joint hearings on the Iran-Contra Affair last?

• 61 days

• 41 days

• 21 days

• 10 days

Despite the scandal, how did Reagan's presidency conclude in terms of public approval?

• With no change in approval ratings

• With one of the highest approval ratings

• With moderate approval ratings

• With one of the lowest approval ratings