November 4 in American History

November 4, 1979 — the Iran hostage crisis begins

Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. The standoff lasted 444 days, dominated the news, and reshaped American foreign policy and politics for a generation. The hostages were finally released the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.

Common Questions About November 4

What happened on November 4 in American history?

In 1979: the Iran hostage crisis begins. Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S.

Why is November 4 significant?

Iranian revolutionaries stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. The standoff lasted 444 days, dominated the news, and reshaped American foreign policy and politics for a generation. The hostages were finally released the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated.

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