The Contra War was an armed conflict in Nicaragua in 1986. The war was between the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front and the rebel group known as the Contra. The war is noted for the American support of the Contras and the Soviet support of the SNLF. The control of Nicaragua by the Communists led to the fear of the Domino Effect occurring in Central America, and lead to increasing arms shipments to Central American countries. This would later lead to World War III.