\n<\/p>\n
The 1980s bring revolutionary wars, CIA-backed conflict and the violent birth of a new democratic era.<\/p>\n
Episode 2: Wars begins with Nicaragua\u2019s Sandinista revolution, which promised egalitarian transformation through literacy crusades. But civil war erupted as United States President Ronald Reagan\u2019s administration covertly backed the Contra rebels, plunging the nation into turmoil and suffering.<\/p>\n
Panama transitioned from Omar Torrijos\u2019s diplomatic triumphs over the Panama Canal to Manuel Noriega\u2019s sinister collaboration with both the CIA and drug cartels. The murder of Hugo Spadafora sparked his brother\u2019s campaign to focus US public and political attention on Panama, ultimately leading to a US military invasion and Manuel Noriega\u2019s downfall.<\/p>\n
In Chile, the opposition achieved a dramatic popular victory, ending Augusto Pinochet\u2019s rule and igniting hope for democracy despite continued US influence.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Venezuela\u2019s oil-rich democracy flirted with collapse under President Carlos Andres Perez amid debt crises, curfews and riots that paved the way for Hugo Chavez\u2019s rise and a new wave of regional upheaval.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Published On 17 Feb 2026<\/span>17 Feb 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n