History of Iran

Persian Empire

History Persia—Historical name for Iran (Name changed to Iran in 1935 at the request of the Shah) Persians are an Ethnic Group descended from the Aryans Ruled by dynasties; ruler is Shah Spoke Persian (Farsi) dialect

Persia and Islam 650 A.D. Conquered by Islamic Arabs Entirely new language, religion and culture was imposed on the Persians Under the Safavid dynasty (1500s), Iran became the largest Shi'ite country in the Muslim world, which it still is today.

Persia and Europe 1722—Beginning of European invasion and influence in the region Persia sandwiched between a growing Russian Empire in Central Asia and the expanding British Empire in India

Never directly invaded, both Great Britain and Russia created a “sphere of influence” over Persia Sphere of Influence: when a country falls under the political influence of another country; becomes almost like a subsidiary of the more powerful country.

Persia and Great Britain After WWI, claimed as a British protectorate Protectorate: a state or territory controlled by a more powerful state. It is not a possession of the controlling state. The controlling state typically directs foreign relations and defense. The relationship is established by treaty.

1921: Reza Shah Pahlavi installed as the ruler of the Pahlavi dynasty Ruled for 16 years Pushed out British attempt at control Began to modernize and secularize politics Central government reasserted power over the indigenous people.

Post War Iran 1941 new Shah Reza Shah Pahlavi who ruled until 1979 International hope that Iran would be a constitutional monarchy with Parliament maintaining most of the power. Shah had a “hands off” style of managing.

Oil in Iran Oil discovered in 1908 British exerted influence through British Petroleum Company 1951 the Prime Minister forced Parliament to nationalize the British owned/run oil industry

In return for US support, the Shah agreed to allow a consortium of countries: British (40%), US (40%), Dutch (14%) and French (6%) to run Iranian oil facilities for 25 years. This left 0% of the control and profits to Iran.

Islamic Revolution 1979 Protests forced the Shah to flee Transformed Iran from a pro-west monarchy to an Islamic theocracy Control won by Ayatollah Khomeini New government is extremely conservative

Former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini

Significant Events 1979—Militant Iranian Students seized the US Embassy in Tehran and held hostages for 444 days. Failed US rescue mission 1980-88—Iran/Iraq War: Known as the First Persian Gulf War.

Significant Events 1980-88—Iran/Iraq War: Known as the First Persian Gulf War (until the 1990 Persian Gulf War). Sparked by a territorial disputes primarily related to the Shatt-al-Arab waterway at the head of the Persian Gulf.

Shatt-al-Arab waterway

Significant Events The war was disastrous for both countries— stalling economic development disrupting oil exports costing an estimated 1.5 million lives.

Iraq was left with serious debts to its former Arab backers including $14 billion US dollars loaned by Kuwait, a debt which contributed to Saddam's 1990 decision to invade Kuwait.

Significant Events Much of both sides' oil industry was damaged. The end of the war left the borders unchanged. 1990 as war with the western powers loomed, Saddam recognized Iranian rights over the eastern half of the Shatt al-Arab, reverting to the status quo which he had repudiated a decade earlier.

A satellite image showing the Persian Gulf

Now, what about their nuclear capabilities?????