1. Political and Economic Change in Iran
By: Mexico

2. Revolutions, coups, wars
Iranian Constitutional Revolution( )
Three main groups named the bazaar merchants, ulama, and the radical reformers sought a Constitution to bring the people of Iran Independence
Revolution led to establishment of a parliament in Iran during the Qajar Dynasty
Constitution was established in 1906
Iranian Coup d'état(1953)
Overthrowing of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh
Monarchic rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Shah takes his place
Iran Revolution( )
Caused by social injustice, western imperialism, discontent with Shah’s rule
The overthrow of Shah and he was replaced by an Islamic Republic under Khomeini
Iran-Iraq War( )
Iraq invaded Iran in hope to replace Iran as the dominant Persian Gulf State
200, ,000 Iranians died from the war
Iran won the war as they defended the land that Iraq wanted to take.

3. Political Change The Safavids (1501-1722) The Qajars (1794-1925)
Converted nearly 90% of their subjects to Shiism
Respected People of the Book (religions who had holy books ex. Christians, Jews, etc.)
Lacked central power and relied largely on local rulers to collect taxes
The Qajars ( )
Turkish group who reinstated Shiism as official state religion
Separation between government and state widened significantly
Land losses to European imperialism
Constitutional Revolution of
The Pahlavis ( )
Reestablished authoritarian rule
Democratic ideas were not forgotten as opposition remained
No longer needed internal taxes from oil incomes

4. Political Change cont.
The Islamic Revolution and the Republic (1979-Present)
Totalitarian, secularizing, and Western supporting Sha lost support
Clerical elite led by Khomeini led a revolution and took over power
Defended Islamic fundamentalism
Resented the West
New constitution gave broader power to Khomeini and the clergy
Cultural revolution aimed at removing western influence
Now slowly enacting reforms amidst criticisms
Assert theocratic values and nationalism

5. Economic Change and Trends
Some minor industrialization
Dependent upon imports for many goods
1930’s
Great Depression brings down economy
Shah adopted import substitution industrialization
Locally produced mass goods
Placed emphasis on capital and ignored agriculture
1960’s
Land reforms
Infrastructure improvement
1970’s
Skyrocketing oil prices

6. Economic Change and Trends Cont.
Transformation to rentier economy from oil
Heavily supported by state spending
Receives rent from abroad
Moved from an agricultural base to a one-product economy based on oil
Created economic stagnation in non-oil sectors of the economy
Gave heavy subsidies to oil sector
Eroded the bonds between the state and civil society

7. Relationship between Political and Economic Change
During the reign of the Qajars there was a separation between government and state
Agriculture was the main fuel for the economy because the government was more decentralized and not as involved in economic affairs
More centralized government corresponded with heavier government intervention in the economy
The Pahlavis had a more centralized government and it saw heavier involvement in the economy
Became a one-product economy based on oil
More authoritarian rule saw an improvement in the economy but the neglect of the agricultural industry

8. Relationship cont.
Post-Khomeini (1989 to present) clerics consolidated and built their power
Iran’s economy improved with rise in petroleum prices
Government was able to afford social programs for the people
After the Iran-Iraq war ended the oil prices dropped and people began to question the authoritarian rule rule of the clerics

9. Globalization
Iran depends on oil and other countries want the same power.
Iran refuses western ideas, especially from the United States and Europe.
The United States and other developed countries want Iran to be more open so the oil industry can become more developed.
Iran is opening up to internet use, television, culture of American celebrities and entertainment.
Iran is accepting democracy, but is hesitant to begin a full-on transition into a developed western society.