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