2.  Opposition to the Shaw (Sunni) was wide spread  Two religions Sunnis, and Shiite Muslims  Shiites wanted the nations governed by Islamic law.  The revolution was governed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (Shiite)  The United States supported the Shaw that was over thrown in Iran

3.  Riots developed into a civil war  In early 1979 riots forced the Shaw to leave the country.  Hundreds of the shah's supporters were tried and executed, others fled the country, and the westernization of Iran was reversed.

4.  Khomeini, who had returned to Iran in triumph in February 1979, presided over the establishment of an Islamic republic.  On November 4, 1979, after the shah had been allowed entry into the United States for medical care (cancer), militant Iranians stormed the US embassy in Teheran, taking 66 Americans hostage.

5.  After Khomeini does not release hostages United States president Jimmy Carter implements Operation Eagle Claw to try to release the hostages.  The attempt was aborted when three helicopters that were part of the operation were damaged or forced to return to the carrier (sandstorm and refueling accident)  Muslims believe Allah is on their side

6.  Coordinates the plan to have the hostages delivered back to NYC  The plan led President Carter to block delivery of 300 million dollars in military items to Iran.  Deportation proceedings were started on Iranian students illegally in the U.S. President Carter ordered all Iranian oil imports suspended.  Iran, in response, decided to withdraw billions in deposits in U.S. banks. Carter countered by freezing all Iranian assets held in U.S. banks.

7.  Ronald Reagan wins election on November 4, 1980  Was it Carter or Reagan that got the hostages released?

8.  52 US citizens were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981. Hostages flown to Europe then to the United States  American support  News Clip  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAvatwF1NU U&feature=related  Operation Eagle Claw: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG1iCCS7gD o&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG1iCCS7gD o&feature=related