The Contras were the various U.S.-backed and funded right-wingrebel groups that were active from 1979 to the early 1990s in opposition to the socialistSandinistaJunta of National Reconstruction Government in Nicaragua. Among the separate contra groups, the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN) emerged as the largest by far. In 1987, virtually all contra organizations were united, at least nominally, into the Nicaraguan Resistance.