Iranian Revolution & Iran Hostage Crisis
Brief History of Iran Historically known as Persia Language – Farsi 1921 – Reza Kahn becomes Shah & wishes to “westernize” The “Shah” is a term referring to the leader of Iran
Mohammed Reza Pahlavi Kahn’s son. Worked to make Iran a modern, western style nation, much like the US Wanted to be a power in the Middle East Friendly towards US The US was happy to have him in power, as they figured he would bring stability to a very instable region.
Good and Bad Modernization – Pahlavi improved literacy and healthcare, gave rights to women & allowed western clothes, music, and movies Problems – A brutal dictator; many Iranians impoverished under his rule – Heavy use of SAVAK – a secret police known to shoot and kill anyone who disapproved of the Shah’s beliefs. – Sazeman-e Ettela'at va Amniyat-e Keshvar Many wanted an Islamic state – Felt that “the west” was unclean & sinful. They were very religious
Revolution Feb 1, 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini (exiled by Pahlavi) returns 1979 – Iran experience a revolution Shah is overthrown and flees to the US
Changes Khomeini hated the west, particularly the US – Declared an Islamic republic – Got rid of western influences (music, movies) – Westerners forced out of Iran – Women could no longer wear western clothing; must wear chador
American Embassy Taken Over Radical Iranian students took over US embassy in Tehran in protest of the US allowing the Shah to seek refuge in their country. Held 51 American hostage for 444 days Situation created much dislike between former friends Iran and US
Events November 1, 1979 – Khomeini urges demonstrations against US & Israel Khomeini labels America as the "Great Satan" Protest began – Embassy occupied during revolution – Crowds outside common Iranian police were less and less helpful
Events November 4 – Mob of ~500 students seize the embassy – Marines outnumbered staff destroy communication/classified equipment & papers Khomeini claims he was not aware of the students' plan but applauded the action (but really)Khomeini informed of student plans on Nov. 3
Denial & Humiliation Justification for hostages as retaliation for giving the Shah asylum in the U. S. Operation Eagle Claw on April 24, 1980 – Two helicopters broke down in a sandstorm – Third damaged on landing – Mission aborted; helicopter clipped a C-130 and crashed - eight servicemen killed Iran did not take responsibility Hostages blindfolded; shown on TV Crisis end on January 20 th, 1981
Crisis Ends The crisis came to an end mere hours after new President Ronald Reagan had taken office. The crisis came at a bad time for Jimmy Carter was running for Re-Election. Reagan had said that Carter was soft, and Reagan would use force to free the hostages.
The US citizens made these tee shirts, a popular item in 1979 -1981.
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