A Weakened America Spells Trouble
On January 20th, 1981, after 444 days in captivity, more than sixty American diplomats and citizens were released as President Ronald Reagan was taking the oath of office. The Iranian Hostage Crisis, and the failure of President Jimmy Carter to resolve the issue, became the turning point in the defeat of a weak president. America had become increasingly weak militarily and economically throughout the Carter years, and the American people were tired of the malaise that had permeated the entire nation. Ronald Reagan eloquently ran on a campaign slogan of, "Let’s Make America Great Again", and created an upbeat spirit that resonated with American voters and led him to the White House. The fact that the hostages were released as Reagan took office, may be symbolic, or may have been the Iranians understanding there was a new sheriff in town. Either way, it was clear that the new President of the United States was not a weak man, and the world was on notice. Like the Carte...