Historical Background
Who was involved in the 1953 coup d'etat in Iran and what resource was it over?
US (CIA) and Britain. It was over oil
Why did the Shah of Iran leave the country?
Health issues cancer
What building was taken over by student-led hostage takers?
US Embassy in Tehran
What diplomatic efforts did the US take?
Attempted to negotiate with Iranian leaders
What effect did the crisis have on Jimmy Carter's residency?
He seemed weak and a failure.
Who was installed as the new ruler of Iran?
The Shah
Where did he seek asylum and treatment?
US
What were the hostage takers demands?
Extradition of the Shah and an end to US interference in Iran.
What country attempted to help mediate between US and Iran?
Algeria
How did the crisis impact the 1980 presidential election?
Carter lost re-election and Reagan won
Why did the US support this new regime?
Stability and modernization
What demands did Iranians from the country the Shah went to?
They demanded he be returned to Iran to face trial over crimes against the Iranian people.
Were the hostages tortured or physically mistreated?
No
What economic measures did the US take against Iran?
Economic sanctions
Who helped finally secure the release of the hostages?
Algerian mediators
How did Iranians feel about the coup?
Resented US interference.
Leading up to the Iranian Revolution, was it only religious fundamentalist seeking to take over?
No. There were students, communists, secularists, moderates and Islamic fundamentalists.
How did they keep the hostages in the dark about what was going on with negotiations for their release?
Complete media blackout and censoring of their mail
What was the name of the failed US Rescue attempt?
Operation Eagle Claw
When were the hostages released?
Minutes after Reagans inauguration.
How did women benefit from the new regime's policies?
They had access to education and could dress in western style clothing
What was the name of the religious cleric who spouted anti-US sentiment and called for revolution?
Ayatollah Khomeini
How long were the hostages held before their release?
444 days
What happened and why did it fail?
Helicopter crashed into fueling plane and killed a bunch of people. Poor interagency communication.
What effect did this have on US Iranian relations?
Continuing tensions and lack of diplomatic relations.