History of Iran

The Geography of Iran

Qajar Dynasty, Agha Mohammad Khan of the Qajar tribe Monarchs lacked political or religious prestige Power of clergy (religious officials) increased

External Influence Britain and Russia compete to expand their empires into Iran Treaties between the three countries give Britain and Russia a lot of economic & trading privileges as well as territory in Iran

The Constitutional Revolution, Protestors want political change Shah creates parliament (Majlis) & constitution –People are citizens and have voice in gov’t Even with constitution, Iran is weakened by control of Britain and Russia Bakhtiari Revolutionaries in camp outside Esfahan (June 1909) In front, in a white coat with a sword, is Mohammad Ebrahim Khan, Zabet of Julfa. Source:

Iran & WWI, Iran neutral Effects –Economy decreases –Parts of Iran taken by Allied powers –Russia withdrew from Iran after their revolution

Pahlavi Dynasty, – Reza Khan led forces into Tehran, Iran –Wanted shah to elect Prime Minister 1923 – Reza Khan chosen as new Prime Minister 1925 – Majlis appoints Reza Khan the shah (ends Qajar Dynasty)

Iran in WWII British, U.S., & Soviet troops occupied Iran 1941 – Shah Reza Khan abdicates –Gives power to son Mohammad Reza Effects –Hurts Iran’s economy –Weakens Iran’s gov’t –Famine

Iran & Oil Iran’s oil production controlled by Britain’s Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) Protests begin against foreign control of oil Anger over the Supplemental Oil Agreement and the shah’s use of bribery/fraud cause uproar Politician Mohammad Mossadegh leads protest for new fair elections of Majlis 1951 – Mossadegh forms National Front, is elected PM, & nationalizes the AIOC

Problems with West Begin Britain leads boycott of Iran & increases military forces British officials expelled from Iran U.S. and Britain successfully sponsor a coup (overthrow) of Mossadegh in 1953

What about Mohammed Reza Shah? “Dictatorship” from Reza Shah Pahlavi is supported by U.S. and Britain (due to oil) & is Pro-West –The people of Iran do not necessarily agree Disbands National Front & imprisons its members Forms SAVAK, a secret police to hunt down opponents –Mistreatment, torture, execution –Limits public expression and ideas People are oppressed and in poverty

The White Revolution, 1963 Shah’s reform program to reduce dissatisfaction and unrest 1)Redistribute land 2)Women given more rights 3)Privatization of industries 4)Increase literacy (Literacy Corps) Shah distributing land deeds

Ayatollah Khomeini Ayatollah = cleric, Islamic scholar 1963 – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini criticizes the Shah’s reforms and gov’t –Ayatollah Khomeini is against Western influences in Iran –Saw Shah’s rule as hurting Islam Shah orders Khomeini to be exiled –Protests break out, thousands killed

Problems in Iran Economy worsens Human rights violations Demonstrations against the shah continue in 1978 –Hundreds of protestors killed

Anarchy & Revolution The Shah flees Iran on 1/16/79.

Ayatollah Khomeini Leads the Revolution Khomeini returns to Iran on February 11, 1979.

Islamic Republic of Iran New Constitution created Ayatollah Khomeini as Supreme Islamic Jurist (Supreme Leader) Had religious & political control - THEOCRACY

American Embassy in Tehran Taken Over, Americans taken hostage Iranian students worry that U.S. will stage another coup.

52 Americans Held Hostage for 444 Days Released in Jan., 1981 (Reagan took the U.S. Presidency)

The Khomeini Revolution

Support for the Palestinian Cause The Ayatollah with Yasir Arafat of the PLO. Funds Hamas and Hezbollah.

The Iran-Iraq War ( ) Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein feared that Iran’s new leadership would conflict with the Sunni/Shi’a balance in Iraq (Iraq is mainly Shi’ite). Also wanted oil resources in Iran.

Iraqi Soldiers At the Front  375,000 Iraqi casualties & 60,000 POWs!

Iranian Soldiers  Over 1,000,000 Iranian casualties!

Khomeini’s Death, June 1989 He is succeeded by Ayatollah Ali Khameni as Supreme Leader.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Iran, 2005 – present –Succeeded Ayatollah Khatami Conservative Supports Iran’s uranium enrichment program –Peaceful or for nuclear weapons? Not in favor of Israel’s statehood Not a friend of the West Economic problems, human rights issues

Another Nuclear Power? US satellite photo of Iranian nuclear facility near Arak.

Source: Susan M. Pojer Horace Greeley HS Chappaqua, NY Choices tml tml

BibliographyBibliography  “23 Year Pictorial History of Iran.” net/~irans hahr/ net/~irans hahr/  “Iranian.com.”  “Iran Hostage Anniversary.” CBS News. ews.com/stories/2001/01/18/ iran/main shtml. ews.com/stories/2001/01/18/iran/main shtml