In Carter's inaugural address, he stressed the importance of human rights and made it his goal to try to protect these rights. Even though the U.S. had been longtime allies with the Somoza family, when Carter learned of the vast amounts of human rights violations they were committing, he decided to stop providing military aid to Nicaragua. At the same time, Carter did not support the FSLN due to their Soviet and Cuban backing. After the FSLN had assumed control of Nicaragua, Carter met with some of their leaders to convince them to respect democratic values and human rights.
U.S. Perspective/Intervention
Carter Administration
"... there can be no nobler nor more ambitious task for America to undertake on this day of a new beginning than to help shape a just and peaceful world that is truly humane."
- Jimmy Carter
The Avalon Project
Carter Shaking Hands With Ortega
Bettmann Archive
Reagan Administration
The Reagan administration was openly hostile towards the Sandinista government, labelling them as communists and actively providing aid to the Contras. Even after Reagan was declined the legal ability to assist the Contras in overthrowing the FSLN government, he still advocated for increasing support for the Contras throughout his two terms.
Reagan Meeting With Adolfo Calero, a Contra Leader
Reagan Library