What event marked the beginning of a crackdown in Nicaragua under President Ortega?

What event marked the beginning of a crackdown in Nicaragua under President Ortega?

• A. 2014 protests
• B. 2018 protests
• C. Both 2014 and 2018 protests
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

The beginning of a crackdown in Nicaragua under President Ortega is marked by events in both 2014 and 2018, making the option that includes both correct. The 2014 protests were triggered primarily by government plans to allow significant foreign investment in a canal project, which met with substantial public opposition due to concerns over environmental impact and sovereignty. These protests signaled early dissatisfaction with Ortega's government, which increasingly began to employ repressive measures to quell dissent. However, it was the 2018 protests that significantly escalated the government’s crackdown on opposition. Originating from public outcry against proposed social security reforms, these protests quickly evolved into broader demonstrations against Ortega’s administration, highlighting long-standing grievances about corruption, electoral legitimacy, and governance issues. The government's violent response during these protests included widespread repression, arrests, and human rights abuses. Thus, both the 2014 and 2018 protests serve as critical markers in the timeline of governmental repression in Nicaragua, leading to a notable increase in authoritarian measures from President Ortega's administration. This contextual background illustrates why the option indicating both years is indeed the most accurate choice.

The beginning of a crackdown in Nicaragua under President Ortega is marked by events in both 2014 and 2018, making the option that includes both correct.

The 2014 protests were triggered primarily by government plans to allow significant foreign investment in a canal project, which met with substantial public opposition due to concerns over environmental impact and sovereignty. These protests signaled early dissatisfaction with Ortega's government, which increasingly began to employ repressive measures to quell dissent.

However, it was the 2018 protests that significantly escalated the government’s crackdown on opposition. Originating from public outcry against proposed social security reforms, these protests quickly evolved into broader demonstrations against Ortega’s administration, highlighting long-standing grievances about corruption, electoral legitimacy, and governance issues. The government's violent response during these protests included widespread repression, arrests, and human rights abuses.

Thus, both the 2014 and 2018 protests serve as critical markers in the timeline of governmental repression in Nicaragua, leading to a notable increase in authoritarian measures from President Ortega's administration. This contextual background illustrates why the option indicating both years is indeed the most accurate choice.