The weight of decision : an analysis of the Iran rescue mission attempt

Abstract

The takeover of the American embassy in Teheran by militant students on November 4, 1979 precipitated an international crisis involving the United States, Iran, and a host of other nations. Ultimately, pressures connected with the crisis led President Carter to authorize a military mission which at tempted to rescue the hostages on April 24, 1980. This thesis will at tempt to examine those pressures and to evaluate the way in which they influenced Carter's momentous decision.