Today in History

January 20, 1981

The US Hostages are Released

On January 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the President of the United States. Minutes later, the nation of Iran released 52 hostages they had held for 444 days in captivity. In retaliation for the United States' support of the former Shah of Iran, the Revolutionary Islamic government of Iran supported a student seizure of the United States embassy on November 4, 1979. Failed diplomatic efforts by the Carter administration and a botched rescue attempt sealed Carter's defeat in the 1980 presidential elections. Algerian diplomats were working on an accord prior to Reagan's swearing in and the hostages were released to a hero's welcome at home.

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