Iran

Mossadegh Coup

1953 coup in response to Mossadegh nationalising oil in 1951. The CIA and British paid thugs to throw pro-Shah protests, and Mossedegh overthrown. Shah had almost absolute power after 1953.

Iranian revolution causes

1979

Shah unpopular after economic issues

The Shah seen as western puppet / reaction to White Revolution

Shah seen as out of touch – an extravagant party to celebrate 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire

Shah too authoritarian – increasingly authoritarian in the run-up to 1979, used SAVAK, killed protesters during Black Friday, and was blamed for the Cinema Rex fire and killing Khomeni’s child.

Iran pre WW2

1925 - The Pahlavi Dynasty starts

1935 - Persia renamed to Iran

1941 - Britain and Russia invade and overthrow Reza Palavi due to him being pro-Nazi and refusing to let them go through the country – his son becomes the Shah instead.

Shah economic policy

Privatisation, oil revenues

Economic growth of 7-8% between 1954 - 69

Mild land reform (took from religious)

Iranian revolution events