The Shah of Iran

Trevor Collins

A position in the Iranian government similar to

that of Japanese emperor; respected, but in theory would have very little political power.

Re-established position in government by Reza Pahlavi during a coup d'état in 1925

In 1941, was exiled by British and Soviet forces for possible Nazi connections, and replaced by his son, Mohammad Reza.

The position is similar to King in a constitutional monarchy.

Shah of Iran

Photo source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reza_Shah_Pahlavi.jpg

Began internal developments with the help of

the US, and improved the transportation systems, health programs, dams and irrigation, industrial growth, and land reforms.

Opposed by people who thought the reforms were too slow, and by those who thought the westernization of the country was anti-Islam.

Major opposition point was his autocratic rule and secret police putting down any dissent of his power

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

Photo source: http://www.rescueattempt.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/shah-in-uniform.jpg

Overthrow and

Effects After riots in major cities, the shah left Iran on January 16th,

1979. On April 1st, the country declared an Islamic republic in the country.

The upper class of Iran lost standing, while the middle class and lower class were focused on by the new clergy-run regime. However, this focus has done little for the unemployment rates and the inflation running rampant through the country.

Iranian students fled to America to complete their education when the new government shut down the schools in order to undo all Western changes made to the Islamic teachings, causing an influx of brilliant people to the US.

Iraq saw Iran’s revolution as an opportunity to grow and take over Iranian land, and invaded. An 8 year conflict followed, ended only by UN intervention and a forced ceasefire.

Photo source: http://afflictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/iranrev.jpg

Editors at Encyclopedia Britannica. "Mohammad Reza Shah

Pahlavi (shah of Iran)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2013. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/387594/Mohammad-Reza-Shah-Pahlavi>.

GPO. "People." Background Notes on Countries of the World: Iran (2011): n. pag. Student Research Center. Web.

Pauwels, Matthias. "—InPEC – International Politics, Energy & Culture." InPEC International Politics Energy Culture. InPEC, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. <http://inpec.in/2011/10/07/assessing-the-impact-of-the-iranian-revolution-on-the-world-beyond-the-middle-east/>.

Works Cited