The Iran-Contra affair stands as one of the most complex and consequential political scandals in American history. In this unit study, students will examine:
- How a covert network called “The Enterprise” operated outside government oversight to fund illegal operations in Nicaragua and Iran
- The link between the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and the funding of Contra rebels
- The aftermath of the scandal, where many participants avoided consequences and went on to positions in government and private industry
- How surveillance technologies developed during this era evolved into modern data collection systems that affect our privacy today
This unit study reveals how determined officials can bypass democratic oversight, creating “shadow networks” that operate beyond public scrutiny. Students will gain critical insights into constitutional governance, the tension between executive power and legislative authority, and the continuing impact of these historical events on contemporary society.
