American+Hostages+in+Iran+Released

=American Hostages in Iran Released=

==**Overview**== Nov. 4th, 1979 was a very dark time in its history for America. 53 of its sons and daughters were taken hostage by the Iranians. These 53 American students were caught up in the whirlwind of the Iranian Revolution. They were taken hostage to show Iran's disapproval of an American presence in the country. The hostages were help captive for over a year, 444 days to be exact. They were released on Jan. 20th, 1981.

Main Point
The American presence was too common for Iran. America had been enforcing its policies on the country ever since the beginning of World War Two. The Allied powers invaded Iran and selected their own person to run the country of Iran after the invasion was completed. With an unwanted government put in place, the Iran public was angry and restless. The country was quiet about their unwanted American government until the start of a bloody coup. The coup overthrew the democratic government and claimed power over Iran in 1979. Once the coup established power they looked to eliminate the American presence. They planned to take the American hostages as a protest to the American Presence. So a group of Muslims attacked the U.S. embassy and took 53 students hostage. Immediately after their kidnapping, America froze all of its assets to Iran. This stop in economic trading crippled the economy of Iran. This made Iran even more mad and the crisis was at a standstill for a very long time. After awhile America hatched an Operation to save the hostages. It was called Operation Eagle Claw, and it failed miserably, leading to the death of American soldiers. Luckily after over a year the hostages were set free and returned to America.

**Conclusion/ Historical Significance**
The Iranian Hostage Crisis was a scary moment in our history. The lives of 53 Americans were held at gunpoint for 444 days, and were luckily let go. The crisis in the world's eye was a victory for Iran. They had stood strong and proud in defiance of America. They proved to the world that they were not going to be bullied around by anyone. America saw it as a small victory. They had saved the lives of 53 people, but they also were the ones who were responsible for the kidnapping in many ways. The bitter taste of not having a just cause and almost losing to an unequal opponent put a bad feeling in everyone's mouth.

News Articles
Pittsburgh Post- Gazette