1983 Invasion of Grenada Facts for Kids

The Invasion of Grenada, also known as Operation Urgent Fury, was a quick military action in 1983. It was ordered by President Ronald Reagan of the United States. Grenada is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, located about 100 miles north of Venezuela.

The invasion involved a large force of nearly 10,000 troops from the United States. They were joined by about 300 troops from Jamaica and other countries that were part of the Regional Security System (RSS).

Why Did the Invasion Happen?
- Concerns for American Students
- Political Changes in Grenada
The Invasion Begins
- First Day of Fighting
  - Securing Key Areas
- Rescue of Students
  - Student Evacuation Efforts
After the Invasion
- Results of the Operation
- Impact on Grenada
Images for kids
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Why Did the Invasion Happen?

The main reasons for the invasion were complex, but they can be explained simply. There was a lot of political unrest in Grenada at the time.

Concerns for American Students

One big reason for the invasion was the safety of American students. Many American medical students were studying at St. George's University on the island. The United States government was worried about their safety due to the unstable political situation.

Political Changes in Grenada

Grenada had a new government that was becoming very friendly with Cuba and the Soviet Union. These countries were rivals of the United States during the Cold War. The U.S. was concerned about Grenada building a large new airport with help from Cuba, fearing it could be used for military purposes.

The Invasion Begins

The invasion started on October 25, 1983. U.S. and Caribbean forces landed on the island. Their goals were to protect the American students, restore order, and remove the new government.

First Day of Fighting

The first day saw intense fighting. U.S. forces quickly moved to secure key locations like the Point Salines Airport and the university campuses where the students were.

Securing Key Areas

U.S. Army Rangers and paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division were among the first to arrive. They faced resistance from Grenadian soldiers and Cuban construction workers who were also trained militarily.

Rescue of Students

A major part of the mission was to safely evacuate the American students. Many students were gathered at different campuses, and troops worked to get them to safety.

Student Evacuation Efforts

Helicopters played a big role in moving students from the campuses to the airport, where they could be flown out of Grenada. It was a tense time for everyone involved.

After the Invasion

The fighting lasted for several days, but the main resistance was overcome quickly. The invasion officially ended by mid-November 1983.

Results of the Operation

The invasion achieved its goals. The American students were safely evacuated, and the government that the U.S. opposed was removed. A new, temporary government was put in place to help Grenada return to a more stable path.

Impact on Grenada

After the invasion, Grenada began to rebuild and establish a new democratic government. The airport, which was a point of concern, was eventually completed and is now a civilian airport.

Images for kids

Point Salines International Airport, Grenada, which was a key target.
Members of the Eastern Caribbean Defense Force, who joined the U.S. in the operation.
President Reagan meeting with Congress in the Cabinet Room about the invasion, October 25, 1983.
A map showing the plan for the invasion.
A U.S. Army AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter firing its cannon.
A map showing the initial areas where troops landed.
An explosion during the bombardment of Point Calivigny.
A Marine Corps Sea Knight helicopter on the beach after being damaged during a rescue mission.
A leaflet given to citizens of Grenada during the invasion.
M102 howitzers of the 82nd Airborne Division firing during the battle.
American students waiting to be evacuated from Grenada.
A VA-87 A-7E aircraft from USS Independence flying over Port Salines airfield.
Calivigny barracks before and after being bombed.
The SGU Campus Memorial, remembering those affected.
U.S. soldiers in Grenada, November 3, 1983.
General Thomas M. Ryan Jr., Commander-in-Chief of The Military Airlift Command, piloting a U.S. Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft on the way to Grenada.
U.S. Army soldiers in Grenada, October 1983.
U.S. Marines with prisoners during the operation.