Transcript Iranian Hostage Crisis - West Morris Mendham High School

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When you think of a “hostage situation” what
is the first thing that comes to mind? What do
you think is the most effective way to get
what you want? To what extent do you think
people would go in order to get what they
want? What would you if you were taken
hostage?
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November 10, 1979-a mob attacks the
Embassy and takes 66 people captive
November 11, 1979-thirteen hostages were
released because they were black or women
April 25, 1980-US sends rescue mission, but
ultimately fails
January 20, 1981-All hostages released
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Islamic Revolution (197879): Ayatollah Khomeini
sought to destroy all
western influence
He overthrew leader
Muhammad Reza Shah
Pahlevi- who was backed
by the American
Government
Because of major health
concerns Shah was let into
US for medical treatment
Destroying American and
Iranian relations
Ayatollah Khomeini
Muhammad Reza
Shah Pahlevi
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November 4, 1979
Due to the allowance of Shah
into the US- Iranian radicals
feared that the Us was trying
to put him back into power
A mob of young Islamic
revolutionaries overran the
U.S. Embassy in Tehran
Stated that they were
performing a sit-in, they were
able to infiltrate the embassy
From here, they were able to
take more than 60 Americans
hostage
The Crisis
It was not at all clear
who they represented
or what the students
hoped to achieve
 The students vowed
not to release the
Americans until the
U.S. returned the
Shah for trial, along
with billions of dollars
they claimed he had
stolen from the
Iranian people.
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On November 11, President
Carter responded to the
hostage crisis and embargoed
Iranian oil
 In return 13 hostages were
released because they were
Black or Women- because
women and minorities already
suffered "the oppression of
American society.”
 Fifty-three Americans
(including two women, and
one African American)
remained as hostages.
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With no sign of releasing hostages, Carter
decided to act
Approved a high-risk rescue mission
Odds were against the plan working
Mission was a complete failure
3 helicopters malfunctioned
1 crashed into a transport plane-8 servicemen
died
Iranians broadcasted failed attempt
Broadcasted smoky
remains of helicopters
 Iranians believed failed
mission showed
American
incompetence
 Humiliated the pubic
and scarred Carter’s
presidency
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Khomeini's government realized there was
little advantage in anti-American/Shah
publicity
Hostage situation made it harder to solve
already disordered economy
Carter’s negotiations went on for months,
even though public thought of “October
Surprise”
The Release
“October Surprise” was opinion that Carter would get the hostages home before
the election
Reagan crushed Carter in election, one of largest landslides in history
Carter’s last minute effort to bring home all the hostages before the end of his
term was unsuccessful
Iranians released all hostages minutes after Reagan was inaugurated
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This is a copy of a message sent to President Carter on
the American Hostages in Iran: The safety and well
being of American citizens comes first, whether at
home or abroad. Americans know that our self respect
and safety are even more important than fighting
inflation or how much oil we import. Sometimes we
must turn the other cheek, but never when it causes
American lives to be put in jeopardy. We strongly urge
you, Mr. President, to take firm positive action to
protect Americans -- just as in the old days. Denver
Post, Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Litman, Letter to the Editor
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Stand by, Americans, for the campaign surprise -- the
hostages will probably be set free just a few days or
perhaps even hours before the election. And there
you'll see on your favorite news program "Old Grinnin'
Jimmy" telling all you good folks out there what
difficult times he went through just to get the
hostages released. (In time to get a lot of political
mileage out of the event, just before the Nov. 4
Presidential elections.) How in the name of heaven
can people of this great country be taken in by brazen
tactics such as these? Denver Post, Lee Wall, Letter to
the Editor
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I had tears in my eyes at hearing that our
people had finally come to the end of what
must have been a terrible hardship, and one
that will live with them forever. Also, tears of
joy upon hearing President Reagan's speech. I
can't remember having been so moved in
years; even as he almost broke down while
talking, I did, just listening. What a privilege
to be an American. Minneapolis Tribune, Wm.
F. Zieske, Letter to the Editor
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http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/pre
s10.socst.ush.now.iranhost/