Iranian Hostage Crisis

Mrs. Dilmore

4/17/08

In 1979, Iranian students raided the American Embassy taking over 70

hostages. These hostages were held for 444 days.

Iran

• During the 1970’s, Iran was on of the strongest allies of the U.S. in the Persian Gulf area.

• The current ruler, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, used the U.S. to build up a powerful military force.

• Many Iranians complained about corruption in the government. Others complained about the Western influence to the country and they felt it weakened traditional Muslim values.

FundamentalistsPeople who believe in strict obedience to religious laws

• Forced the shah (the ruler) to flee Iran.

• The new ruler, Muslim leader Ayatollah Khomeini, was hostile to the United States because of it’s support.

Held Hostage

• November 1979, Iranian students stormed the American embassy in Tehran.

• 52 Americans were held hostage

Attempt

• A daring desert rescue attempt ended in tragedy.

• 8 American soldiers lost their lives while attempting to rescue the hostages.

Bibliography

• http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.org/documents/hostages.phtml

• http://rescueattempt.tripod.com/id1.html