Introduction to the Constitutional Revolution in Iran

  • The lecture sets the backdrop for understanding the constitutional revolution in Iran from 1905 to 1911.

  • Focus: The evolving sense of nationhood among Iranians versus alienation from foreign powers, primarily Russia and Britain.

Historical Context

  • The constitutional revolution was marked by Iranian aspirations for democracy juxtaposed against foreign interventions.

  • Relevant Events:

    • Indo-Russian conflict of 1907.

    • Occupation of parts of Azerbaijan and Iran by Russian forces starting 1908, continuing until 1911.

  • The emergence of the Majlis (parliament) and the patriots’ new narrative aimed at the Qajar monarchy.

  • Key Themes of the Revolution:

    • Formation of new national heroes, leaders, and an agenda for economic independence.

    • Discontent with elite classes involved in the exploitation of Iran’s natural resources.

The Great War and Iran's Neutrality

  • Challenges faced by Iran as World War I broke out:

    • Difficulty in maintaining neutrality due to foreign invasions.

  • Geopolitical Landscape:

    • Northern Iran was under Russian military control; Southern Iran was considered a British zone of influence.

    • British military base in Port Boucher near Shiraz.

    • Turkey's involvement by way of the Ottoman Empire, opposing the Russian presence.

Military Invasions and Occupations

  • On November 15, 1914, 10,000 Turkish troops crossed into Iran, escalating conflicts with Russian units.

  • The capture of Urumiya by Ottoman forces in January 1915 and the subsequent involvement of Armenian troops fighting alongside Russians.

  • British Response: Increased military presence in response to Ottoman threats, particularly concerning oil resources in southern Iran.

Political Instability from 1914-1915

  • Iranian government struggled to maintain neutrality amidst foreign military occupations.

  • Frequent prime minister resignations due to internal pressures and foreign influence.

  • The Qajar Prince Amman Mirza was installed during efforts to build a constitutional monarchy amid escalating violence and military incursions.

The Role of Germany and Propaganda

  • Shifts in geopolitical alliances:

    • Germany's alignment as a supporter against both Russia and Britain, capitalizing on anti-British sentiment among various groups,

    • Utilization of German spies like Wilhelm Vosnos to end of stirring dissent.

  • The Kashkaii Tribe as an organization motivated by German support during this period of unrest in Iran.

Iranian Resistance and National Movements

  • Emergence of Iranian nationalist movements in opposition to foreign occupations:

    • Formation of the Berlin Circle: A group of exiled Iranian nationalists organized to resist allied powers.

    • Jengali Movement under Mirza Kuchak Khan operating guerrilla tactics against foreign forces.

  • Establishment of the Iranian Soviet Socialist Republic in Gilan

    • Creation of a left-leaning, revolutionary socio-political landscape during this tumultuous time.

Aftermath of World War I

  • Review of sociopolitical landscape post-war:

    • Iran struggled with political fragmentation and economic disarray, largely as a result of the war's impact.

    • Famine and pandemic: The 1918 Spanish Flu exacerbated the existing crises, contributing to widespread mortality (estimates suggest 8-21% of the population).

Precarious British Influence Post-War

  • Intent of British authorities to establish a mandate in Iran, depicted as a protectorate.

  • Sociopolitical tensions arose due to the Anglo-Persian Agreement of 1919, which was seen as an infringement on Iran's sovereignty.

  • Domestic Responses: Growing dissent and uprisings in reaction to foreign control.

Key Movements and Individuals

  • Significant figures in the revolution:

    • Sheikh Mohammed Khayabani: Role in the Azerbaijani Democratic Party and provincial uprisings.

    • Mirza Kuchak Khan: His leadership in guerrilla warfare against occupying armies and establishment of the Red Republic of Gilan.

  • Cultural and social reforms instituted during the short-lived republic.

Conclusion

  • Post-revolutionary struggles: Political instability continued after World War I, coupled with a lack of representation at international peace talks.

  • The transition into the early 1920s marked by continued political turmoil and further dissent against foreign influence, setting the stage for future reforms in Iran.

Questions for Study

  • What were the key cultural and political changes during Iran's constitutional revolution?

  • How did foreign interventions impact the development of Iranian national identity?

  • What were the outcomes of the various movements and individual leaders during and after World War I?

Further Research Topics

  • Impact of colonial legacies on modern Iranian politics.

  • Comparison of the Iranian constitutional revolution with other global movements for independence during the early 20th century.