Rad History 18. The 1983 Invasion Of Grenada
Dec 3, 2025
Explore the dramatic 1983 invasion of Grenada, the first major U.S. military action after Vietnam. Discover Maurice Bishop's revolutionary government and the Caribbean's turmoil that led to U.S. intervention. Hear how rapid military planning unfolded, with daring parachute assaults and intense battles for key locations. Dive into the chaos of rescue missions and the political fallout that ensued, including public reactions and global condemnation. The legacy of this invasion reshaped both U.S. military policy and Grenada's future.
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Tiny Island, Big Cold War Stakes
- The Cold War framed Granada as a strategic pawn, turning a small island project into a superpower concern.
- Reagan saw Cuba-backed construction as a potential Soviet foothold threatening regional security.
Bishop's Popular Revolutionary Start
- Maurice Bishop led a near-bloodless 1979 coup that replaced an eccentric authoritarian.
- Bishop's PRG delivered schools, clinics, and literacy campaigns, winning popular support early on.
Revolution Splits From Within
- Internal NJM factionalism shifted Bishop from charismatic leader to isolated figure.
- Bernard Coard's hardline push exposed governance strains that set the stage for violent rupture.