1. The U.S. Hostage Crisis in Iran
444 Days in Captivity

2. Background of the Shah Reza Pahlavi
First came to power during WWII (US)
Deposed in the late forties
Reinstalled by a CIA-led coup in 1953 approved by the Eisenhower administration (for a “liberal” leader)

3. The “White Revolution”
Divested the clergy of their vast landholdings
Declared new rights for women
Right to vote
Right to attend university
Dramatically increased urbanization and industrialization
Exiles the Ayatollah Khomeini after he criticizes the Shah

4. Westernize or Bust!
Most Iranians did not want to abandon their rich heritage for Western Ways
Found inspiration in the sermons of Muslim leaders who denounced the material West
The Shah maintained control with harsh repression and brutality
SAVAK

5. Under Pahlavi Rule - 10,000 plus exiled or arrested or shot
- Only one party in the Majles
- Standard of living decreases
- Increase in class rifts
- Military spending soars
- Secret police (Savak) charged to eliminate opposition and unrest
- Goods from other countries flood the markets

6. Allah Hu Akbar, Marg Bar Shah!
Demonstrations increased demanding the shah be deposed
Demonstrators demanded the return of the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini
The country was out of control

7. Exit the Shah! Leaves the country January 16, 1979
The Ayatollah was invited back
Tens of thousands of demonstrators demanded the return of an Islamic state.

8. Islamic State Returns
Enemies of the Islamic Revolution are tried and executed
All political parties and organizations are banned
Independent and non-Islamic newspapers are closed.
Banks and Industries are Nationalized.

9. Iranian Revolution Escalates
US interests in the Persian Gulf are threatened.
No access to Iranian Oil
Cancellation of $7 billion of uncompleted arms contracts
Anti American sentiment runs high.

10. “Marg Bar Amrika!”
Sunday, November 4, 1979 the US Embassy in Teheran is stormed
Sixty-six hostages taken

11. Oh Canada! Six Americans seek refuge at the Canadian Embassy
Tense moments
Ottawa and Canadian Embassy prepare to evacuate

12. Iran’s Hostage Demands
Return Reza Shah for trial
Return the Shah’s wealth to the people of Iran
Admission of guilt by the US
An apology and promise to stay out of Iran’s affairs.

13. President Carter’s Response
Refused to send the Shah back
Froze all Iranian Government financial assets
Forbade American companies from buying Iranian oil
13 hostages freed

14. U.S. Reaction to Hostage Crisis
Demonstrations at the Iranian Embassy in the US
Record sales of Iranian flags, which were then burned
Iranian Americans were harassed

15. Renewed Sense of Patriotism
CBS anchor Walter Cronkite
Hostages became a national obsession

16. America’s Frustration Grows
On April 7, President Carter announces the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran
Complete economic embargo
Inventory of financial claims against Iran to be paid from Iranian assets in the U.S.
All Iranian diplomats are told to leave the country in 24 hours.

17. Operation Eagle Claw April 24, 1980
8 helicoptors from the Nimitz were to rendezvous with 6 transports at Desert One
Then fly to Desert Two to drive to Teheran where the CIA had arranged for several Iranians to help storm the embassy
                                                      

18. Mission Aborted! The first mission for the newly formed Delta Force
Pilots did not have experience, flying at night, flying low, and in sand storms.
The sandstorm disabled three helicoptors, one collided with a transport and both burst into flames killing eight Americans

21. President Carter Accepts Full Blame
Little hope for a second attempt because the hostages were dispersed to various locations
Carter’s popularity sinks
The Shah dies in July

22. 1980 Presidential Campaign
The Reagan-Bush team realized that the hostage issue would determine the election
Americans needed to hear stirring phrases of national purpose, and believe in the future.
Wins by a landslide
Prisoners freed the day he took office

23. The Hostages are Freed
Carter released $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets the morning of the inauguration
The hostages board planes