We took a lot of notes on the presidents. Today we had Jimmy Carter!!
- Iran Hostage Crisis- Between the U.S. and Iran; on November 4, 1979 the Iran took 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.
- Before this in 1977, there was an Iran Revolution; they over threw the pro-US government and Ayatollah Khomeini overtook as leader; this was the group that caused problems/dislikes with the United States and took the Americans hostage
- We attempted to rescue them, but it failed miserably with 8 American deaths, one Iran civilian, and a couple planes.
- Purpose: we had "The Shaw" (their previous pro-U.S. leader) in our country so Iran wanted him back, so they wanted a trade. They would give us the hostages if we give them their previous leader (we didn't make this trade)
- We got them back when Iraq invaded Iran and they were desperate and made a trade and we got the hostages back
- The Soviets Invaded Afghanistan: This war started Al Queda and the Taliban; we were allies with them during the 80's and ultimately strengthened them. We were just trying to help them fight communism
- Energy Crisis: There wasn't enough gas and oil for everybody
Why did the US win the Cold War and why did the Soviets lose?
- We had close ties with our allies and the Soviets had no one
- The Soviets economy was shambles whereas the US's was flourishing; they had a huge deficit, high inflation, corruption, social problems and shortage of basic needs for their people (they were strong militarily though; still not equal to us though)
- U.S. was flourishing at home and we were still stronger militarily
- The strong anti-communist presidency of Reagan
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