Why did Reagan argue that the United States should invade Grenada in 1983?
1 Answer
There had been a Military Coup and other Caribbean Nations had requested US intervention, and he was concerned about about 800 Americans on the Island.
Explanation:
The Left leaning Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and a number of others were killed by the Grenadian Military during a Coup. The US felt that the American Medical students at the St. George's University Medical School were in danger of being held hostage (The hostage taking in Tehran was still in people memory.)
Support came from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and other Caribbean States requesting action.
Reagan was concerned that Cuba and/or the Soviet Union would establish a base at Grenada.
Quick action was taken by using nearby troops in transit. There was limited resistance and the Island was taken over about 3 days by an overwhelming force.
The Operation was controversial Internationally. In America opinion varied. Doubt was thrown up about the factual basis of the need for action.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Grenada
Subsequent investigations into the US Military led to the Goldwater–Nichols Act which made large changes to the American Armed forces organization.
