The 20 th Century in IRAN A Brief History

Constitutional Revolution Before the 1920s, Iran was ruled by various dynasties During WWI, Iran occupied by British, Russian, and Ottoman troops – blow to ruler at the time REZA KHAN became political leader after coup d’etat in 1921 Previous ruler deposed by Majles

Constitutional Revolution Reza Khan ruled as REZA SHAH PAHLAVI ( ) after Qajar dynasty ended As shah, put down rebellions & established order

PAHLAVI DYNASTY Reza Shah tried to modernize Large-scale industries, implemented major infrastructure projects, built a cross-country railroad system, established a national public education system, and improved health care Middle & working classes emerged Iran was urbanized But dictatorial style rule angered ppl

PAHLAVI DYNASTY Clergy was most vocal about reforms 1935 – country’s name changed from Persia to Iran Reza Shah tried to avoid involvement with Brit. and USSR But Brit owned all of Iran’s oil resources

PAHLAVI DYNASTY Reza Shah preferred Germany and France as allies but during WWII, caused problems with Brit Iran remained neutral during WWII Brit & USSR invaded Iran in 1941 b/c Reza Shah refused to expel Germans from Iran Reza Shah forced into exile

PAHLAVI DYNASTY The U.S. helped USSR & Brit to maintain the Trans-Iranian RR in Reza Shah’s absence Brits & Russians allowed Reza Shah’s system of gov’t to collapse Allowed his son to take over – Mohammad Reza Pahlavi After WWII, all countries involved agreed to respect Iran’s independence

PAHLAVI DYNASTY USSR took longer to exit its troops causing Cold War tension 1944 – competitive elections for the first time Brits continued to control oil Iranians called for nationalization of oil Mohammad Reza Pahlavi wanted to continue reform policies of father

PAHLAVI DYNASTY But Mohammad Mossadegh, a nationalist, contested for control of gov’t Shah Pahlavi was supposed to set up constitutional monarchy & give up powers to Majles But he became increasingly more involved

PAHLAVI DYNASTY 1951 – Majles elected Mossadegh as prime minister He nationalized oil industry Shah Pahlavi was afraid West would impose oil embargo & ruin Iran economically Shah fled Iran but returned when ****CIA staged coup against Mossadegh*** (major Turning Point in relations)

PAHLAVI DYNASTY 1953 – Mossadegh arrested Shah established himself as indispensable ally to West during Cold War White Revolution – reform policies that Shah implemented (land reform, voting rights to women, reduction of illiteracy)

PAHLAVI DYNASTY In less than two decades Iran became the indisputable major economic and military power of the Middle East Religious leaders & intellectuals angered by Shah’s moves, especially since he was going against constitution

PAHLAVI DYNASTY Replaced Solar Islamic calendar with “Imperial” calendar & saw himself as heir to Persian kings Move seen as “un-Islamic” & resulted in more religious opposition SAVAK put down Shah’s opponents Shah remained unresponsive to public opinion & opposition

PAHLAVI DYNASTY Discontent united by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, exiled cleric Ideology tied to Islamic principles that called for the overthrow of the Shah and the return to Islamic traditions, called the Islamic revolution The Shah's government collapsed following widespread uprisings in 1978 and The Shah fled the country & came to U.S. for medical treatment

PAHLAVI DYNASTY The Pahlavi Dynasty was succeeded by an Islamic government under Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979

Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the revolution Turned Iran into a THEOCRATIC state, run by clergy & Islamic principles Shah of Iran forced to flee to USA Khomeini took title of SUPREME LEADER

AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI

Islamic Republic of Iran President elected by people but candidates pre-approved by the GUARDIAN COUNCIL Group of clerics who make sure all laws are compatible with Islam Khomeini picked members of the Guardian Council

Life Under Khomeini Sharia was introduced Women forced to cover hair & body with CHADOR Media controlled Mass executions of former monarchy supporters Many violations of human rights

Relations with the USA Anger built up against US for accepting Shah In response, young supporters of Khomeini took hostages at American embassy – became known as IRAN HOSTAGE CRISIS Lasted 444 days (11/4/79-1/20/81)

Relations with Arab World Radical Shi’a regime scared many neighboring Sunni Arab countries Sept – Saddam Hussein & Iraq invaded Iran Iran stronger than Saddam expected War lasted 8 years with huge cost in lives & resources for both countries

Relations with Arab World No “winner” – 1 million casualties War also known for its use of chemical weapons Last P.O.W’s returned in 2003 USA supported Iraq & Saddam against Iran but sold weapons to both Iran-Contra Affair – US scandal under Reagan

Relations with Arab World Reagan administration sold arms to Iran & used proceeds to illegally fund rebels (Contras) in Nicaragua 1989 – death of Ayatollah Khomeini due to cancer