Iran Through the Looking Glass

1. Iran Through the Looking Glass History, Reform, and Revolution

2. Part 1: From Cyrus to Reza Shah • Iran’s Culture and history played an important role in the Iranian Revolution of 1979 • The Iranians have obtained these cultural values through their long and complex history

3. Early Iran • Formally known as Persia • Many tribes inhabited this area, they spoke different languages and had different ethnic origins • But these tribes were pulled together by one environmental factor, The scarcity of water • The desire for the equal distribution of this scarce resource gave them 2 major cultural ties • Development of religion that emphasized justice and fairness • Development of an effective government able to implement the rules that governed society

4. What Was Zoroastrianism? • Born around the 10th century BCE, a prophet named Zoroaster traveled through Iran teaching about the responsibilities of humans • Zoroastrianism emphasized order, social justice, the idea that people were on earth to improve the world, and ultimate accountability before a single god

5. What were the contributions of the Achamenian Empire? (530-330 bc) • Persian King Cyrus was the first in a dynasty called theAchamenian Empire • Cyrus and his successors developed a postal system, built roads established a legal system, taxation system and a gvmt so efficient that the Romans later used it as a model for their own gvmt • Ended aprox. 330 BC after Alexander the Great invaded • 130 years later the Greeks were overthrown and a series of nomadic wars insued • A man named Ardeshir reestablished central rule over the tribes • This era was known as the Sassanian Dynasty and lasted until 637 BC

6. Pictures of the Acheamenid Empire

7. What were the important developments of the Sassanian Dynasty? (220-647 CE) • One of the main goals was to unify the empire and to create political stability –Persian culture flourished in this era • Rigid Class structures developed with the king at the top of the hierarchy • The barriers between classes were rigid • These social rules marked the beginning of a political order and hierarchy that was viewed as oppressive and unjust • The peoples opposition to this hierarchy set the stage for the arrival of Islam

9. Islam and the Safavids • Islam arrived when the Arabs conquered Iran between 637-651 BC • The message of justice and fairness appealed to the many Iranians who resented the Sassanian rule • Islam shared some common ideas with Zoroastrianism making it easier for Islam to take root • By the 10th century most Iranians were Islamic but they still held on to their pre-Islam culture

10. Who was the Prophet Mohammad? • According to Islam in 610 CE, Mohammad had a revelation form the angel Gabriel • His preaching had a great effect on the impoverished people because he talked about sharing wealth with the poor • About 100 years after Mohammad’s death a controversy divided the Islamic Faith into two branches, the Shi’i and the Sunni

11. Shi’ism • Shi’ism is the main form of Islam in Iran today • The Muslims elected a new prophet after Mohammad's death called a Caliph • The Shi’a only recognize the fourth caliph, Ali, as a true caliph because he was related to Mohammad • Shi’a- followers of Ali • Later the Shi’a later split up over succession conflicts • Twelvers because they recognize 12 Imams (leaders) after Ali • Seveners (Isma’ilis) because they recognize the seventh leader

12. What was economic life like during the Safavid Dynasty? (1501-1736) • To gain control of the largely nomadic population Shah Isma’il granted tribal leaders large areas of land in return for payments and taxes • The Safavids built roads and exported silk and other textiles as well as ceramics to European countries • The most famous Safavid ruler, Shah Abbas encouraged support of other religions to help trade with Europe • Shah Abbas collected huge amounts of money in taxes and trades, he used this money to fund a large army to protect the Iranians from the boardering Ottoman Empire

13. The Qajar Dynasty (1779-1925) • Established by Agha Mohammad Khan in 1779 • The Qajars weren’t really religious. This enhanced the separation of the clergy that had greater influence over the population than the Shah • In the early 19th century almost ½ of the population was nomadic, the leaders of these tribes were of the appointed as governors of their area and the surrounding areas • The Qajar dynasty was hierarchical and corrupt, with the citizens taxes going to provide a life of luxury for the Shah • The economy lacked the infrastructure to grow making it susceptible to interventions by other countries (Britain & Russia) looking to expand their own wealth

15. How did Russia and Britain compete over Iran? • Russia wanted to expand southward and obtain ports on the Persian Gulf • Britain viewed this expansion as a threat to their colony, India. • Iran fought (and lost) 2 wars with Russia and eventually signed the Treaty of Turkomanchai which allowed Russian merchants special privileges and favorable Tariff • Britain informed Russia that it would not tolerate any further expansion in Iran. Iran became a buffer state between the 2 nations empires • Britain later negotiated a treaty with Iran that gave their merchants similar rights as the Russians

16. What were concessions? • With Britain and Russia competing for trade in Iran, the shah decided to grant “concessions” to foreign merchants • They gave foreigners the right to develop parts of Iran’s economy • British and Russian squabbles over these concessions slowed the development of infrastructure in Iran • The Foreign influence and wealth, along with the thought that they were plundering Iran lead to increased distrust of Europeans and other outsiders, this played a powerful role in Iran’s politics

17. Why did the Shah’s policies anger Iranians? • The concessions benefitted the British, Russian and the Shah but did little to help the political hardships in Iran’s economy • The Iranians who had contact with Europeans of had studied abroad worried that Iran had fallen behind • The government of Iran had stood in contrast with the organized European governments • They viewed western science and technology as the key to building Iranian national power and wealth • These brought liberal ideas, In response to these ideas, Nasir al-Din Shah resorted to repressive measures.

18. Constitutional Revolution of 1906-1911 • Some Iranians believed that the influx of foreigners, the Shah’s corruption and economic hardship threatened the well-being of Iranians • Intellectuals, merchants, and clergy formed secret societies to discuss their unhappiness about the state of Iran • Intellectuals- wanted an Iran without the absolute and corrupt monarchy • Merchants- wanted an economic system that would be more fair and efficient • Clergy- wanted to strengthen the role of Shi’i Islam in the government • The intellectuals brought the idea of reform to Iran but the clergy spread it to the masses

19. How did protests lead to a parliament and constitution? • 1905- Protests against the Shah began • The public demands for change led to the Constitutional Revolution • Protestors demanded a constitution and a parliament (Majlis- Persian word for parliament) • The shah, who was mortally ill and had hoped to preserve the monarchy, agreed • 1906- Iran’s first elections for the parliament were held

20. How did the Constitution change Iranian politics? • Majlis received authority over treaties, loans, budgets, and concessions, and the power to appoint and dismiss cabinet members • Constitution defined the rights of the Iranian citizens • Members of the Majlis debated each other in public and had to answer to the citizens • Twelver was designated as the official religion of Iran, and a group of clergy was hired to make sure that the government didn’t contradict the principles of Shi’ism

21. How did foreign roles in Iran help the Shah weaken the new constitution? • Mohammad Ali Shah didn’t want to relinquish his power as monarch • Public discontent helped him helped him challenge the new constitution • He argued that the new gvnmt was even worse at protecting Iran from foreign interference • After encouragement from Russia the shah ordered his army to attack the Majlis building and had the officers arrested and executed • Once the society was divided and the central government was weakened fighting broke out • 1909- Pro-constitution militias deposed the shah and replaced him with his 9 year old son

23. How did Russia and Britain respond to war in Iran? • 1911-Britain sent troop to protect the newly discovered oil fields • The occupation of the Russians and British increased resentment because they were seen as helping the Shah end the Constitutional Revolution

24. How did WWI affect Iran? • Iran’s economy shrunk by 25% • Parts of Iran were occupied by the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Great Britain • Iran considered itself an unwilling victim of war and petitioned for redress at the Paris Peace Conference • The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the withdrawal of Russian Troops from the north • Britain became the biggest influence • The Iranian PM decided to embrace the British involvement, in hope that it would help strengthen the central government • Anglo-Persian Agreement of 1919 would have made Iran a British protectorate • The Majlis refused to ratify the agreement

25. Reza Shah (1925-1941) Pahlavi Dynasty • 1921-Colonel Reza Khan took 3,000 soldiers into Tehran arrested some leading politicians, and demanded the Shah to appoint a new PM • 1923-Reza Khan had become PM himself, expanded the armed forces and purchased weapons • 1925- Majlis abolished the Qajar dynasty and appointed Reza Khan as shah

26. What did Reza Shah hope to change in Iran? • Hoped to build Iran into a modern state and economy like the western states of Europe • He worked to strengthen the central gvmnt, concentrate his power • Ordered the construction of new roads, railroads, factories, hospitals and ports • Expanded public education for both boys and girls • Limited the tribes’ movements and forced them to disarm

27. How did Reza Shah try to reduce the power of the ulama? • Reza Shah believed that the clergy’s power prevented Iran’s modernization, so many of his plans were designed to weaken the clergy and make Iran a more secular society • Central component of his reforms included significant changes in the legal system • New laws required men to dress in the western style and prohibited hijab (veiling) for women • Many Iranians embraced his modernization of Iran, his efforts to reduce Islam nade him unpopular • Enforced his policies with Violence, terror and fear • 1935- Religious leaders protested the forced unveiling of women at a mosque. Reza Shah had the army massacre more than 100 protestors

28. How did the lives of women change during the reign of Reza Shah? • The Shah encouraged the education of women, though 3x as many boys received a formal education • Women began to have more opportunities for work. • Women were admitted to the University • Mainly only affected women in middle and upper classes and did little to change traditional assumptions about the subjugation of women to men

29. How did Reza Shah attempt to limit the influence of foreign powers in Iran? • Reza Shah attempted to reduce the role of foreign powers in Iran- particularly Britain • The Shah prohibited the sale of property to foreigners, refused to take loans from foreign countries to fund his building projects, and ended a concession that had given the British the sole right to manage Iranian currency • Britain controlled its monopoly on Iranian oil

30. How did the German presence in Iran lead to the Shah’s abdication? • 1930’s the shah allowed Nazi Germany to play an increasing role in Iran • The Shah’s deep distrust of Britain hoped a German presence would balance the power of the British • Allied leaders worried that Nazi Germany would use Iran as a base for military operations against the USSR • After the Allies had expelled the Nazis, Reza Shah gave the throne to his young son, Mohammad Reza • Mohammad Reza was seen as someone whom the allies could influence

31. How did the occupation of Iran during WWII affect Iran’s Politics? • During WWII, neither the shah nor the Majlis had final control over the policy in Iran • The US sent financial advisors to assist the Iranian Government and military officers who trained the Iranian police and army • The US and the USSR wanted a share in Iran’s oil after the war

32. How did WWII affect Iran’s economy? • The wartime allies took the use of Iran’s transportation facilities like the railroad to send supplies, making internal trade more difficult for Iran • There was little money for the government to invest in infrastructure or programs to develop Iran’s economy • By the time WWII ended Iran was economically destroyed, still subject to foreign influence, and ruled by a weak shah

33. Part II: Mossadegh to Khomeini • At the end of WWII Iran stood at a crossroads • Britain, the Soviet Union, and the US agreed to withdraw their occupation forces six months after the end of the war • The constitution of 1906 was still in affect, and with the departure of the dictator Reza Shah, the Majlis and PM assumed increasingly important roles in Iranian politics

34. How did the shah attempt to strengthen his power? • Following an assassination attempt in 1949, Mohammad Reza Shah drew on public sympathy to back his efforts to increase his power • He put pressure on the Majlis to accept a new law that would allow him to dissolve the Majlis and call for new elections. He was also given the power to appoint a new PM

35. Cont. • Many different political views developed during this time • The lower class was concerned about basic economic issues • 60% of Iranians who lived in towns and cities lived in slums • The upper class wished for a more efficient government, free from foreign control • University graduates used their education to join and lead social protest movements

36. Mohammad Mossadegh and Oil Nationalization • Increasing profits and rising prices brought more and more profit to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, but no more to the Iranian gvmt • By the late 1940’s, Iran had become the world’s fourth largest oil exporter, and produced 90% of Europe’s oil • While the AIOC provided jobs for many Iranians, they were low level with no chance of moving up in the company • Working conditions were atrocious, paying only around 50cents a day with no vacations or sick days • Riots in Abadan (1946) demanded that the gvmt renegotiate the terns of the arrangement with the AIOC

37. What were the results of negotiations between AIOC and Iran? • Britain had built its empire by extracting resources from its colonies greatly advantageous • Local interests were never a concern • Britain manipulated local politicians with bribes or coercion • Britain needed the oil money for its post war expenses • They offered to train more Iranians for high level positions and promised that royalty payments would not drop below 4 million pounds per year ($134 million)

38. Why did the shah want to support the Supplemental Agreement with Britain? • British officials were responsible for Mohammad Reza succeeding his father to the throne, so Mohammad felt he owed the British for this • He thought he could strengthen his power by helping the British even though the agreement benefited Britain more that Iran • The Shah ordered the cabinet members to accept this agreement, which they did, but the Majlis refused to pass it

39. Why did the Majlis refuse to support the Supplemental Agreement? • The constitution required the Majlis to ratify the agreement for it to become law • Majlis knew that the public was strongly against accepting the terms dictated by the British, but they were afraid to anger the shah • The Shah used bribes and electoral fraud to place his supporters in the Majlis • Prominent politician named Mohammad Mossadegh led protests in Tehran for new and fair elections of the Majlis • Many political groups sprang forth at this time with one united factor: the desire to nationalize Iran’s oil

40. How did the shah respond to demands of the political parties? • In Feb.. 1951 Mossadegh proposed full nationalization of the AIOC • The PM rejected this proposal. On march 7, a member of the Fedaian-e Islam assassinated him • On March 15, the Majlis passed a bill nationalizing the AIOC. They also requested that the shah appoint Mossadegh as the PM

41. How did Britain respond to the nationalization? • Britain increased its military forces in the region, filed a complaint with the ICJ and asked the UN Security council to intervene • The US worried that a continuing crisis in Iran could lead to increased Soviet influence or even control of Iran • Britain led an international boycott of Iranian oil • British spying proved to Mossadegh that the British could not be trusted • In Oct. 1952, Mossadegh broke diplomatic relations with Britain and expelled all British officials form Iran

42. What other reforms did Mossadegh attempt to enact in Iran? • Mossadegh was a strong nationalist who hoped to rid Iran of foreign influence • Strong advocate for the rule of law and the Constitution • Reduce the power of the shah and the size of the army • Enact land reforms- reduce power of wealthy landowners and allow peasants to own their own land

43. How did the British and the Americans overthrow Mossadegh ? • US officials worried about Iran falling under Soviet influence • US & Britain aimed to rid Iran of the Mossadegh gvmnt, and increase the power of the shah, whom they thought would do their bidding • The CIA and the SIS came up with a plan to overthrow Mossadegh

44. Cont. • The plan was to convince the Iranian people that Mossadegh was corrupt, an enemy of Islam, and pro-communist • CIA agents bribed newspapers and religious leaders to spread these Ideas • CIA also paid for physical attacks on Religious leaders and made it appear as if the attacks had been by Mossadegh supporters • Us involvement turned Iran into a hotbed of instability, rioting and chaos • Aug 19, 1953 they captured Mohammad Mossadegh • He was dismissed as prime minister

45. Royal Dictatorship • To avoid a repeat of the threats to his power the Mohammad Reza Shah took steps to ensure that these events would not occur again • He had the support of the US and Britain, who wanted a stable, oil-producing Iran as an ally against the USSR

46. What steps did the shah take to consolidate his power? • The shah moved to settle the oil dispute: Iran would receive 50% of oil revenues, similar to other US deals in the Region • Banned the Pro-soviet Tudeh party • Formed SAVAK (Intelligence and Security Organization of the Country), a secret police organization which he used to hunt down his opponents, known for its mistreatment, torture and execution of opponents • US gave more than $500 million in military aid to the shah; shah followed a strongly Pro-American foreign policy • And the Shah only allowed 2 political parties to exist which were both under his control

47. The White Revolution: “Plagued by the West” • An economic downturn in Iran coincided with US pressure on the shah to ease restrictions on political expression as a conditioned for ongoing financial and military aid • As the repression eased, unrest and discontent simmered again in Iran • A Cleric named Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini opposed the shah’s close relations with the US, Iran’s sale of oil to Israel, the corruption of the regime, and Iran’s failure to help its masses of poor people

48. What was the White Revolution? • Not a revolution at all • Name given to reforms the shah adopted to reduce the growing unrest • Most important reform was the redistributing land to peasant farmers and sharecroppers, giving women the right to vote and creating the Literacy Corps (increasing education) • Gave 2 million peasants ownership of the land that they farmed • This took land away from wealthy landowners as well as the ulama who used the land to support religious schools and mosques • 75% of the peasants did not receive enough land to even reach a level of subsistence

49. How did the shah change the status of women? • He gave women the right to vote and increased educational and employment opportunities • He also introduced laws that gave women more rights in marriage • Polygamy was still permitted, but now the husband had to obtain permission of his current wife before taking another

50. Why were relations with the US a sore point for many Iranians? • The shah spent hundreds of millions of dollars on US weapons • The US was happy to supply most of it’s advanced weapons to an ally against the USSR • Majlis approved a law that made Americans residing in Iran exempt from Iranian laws and taxation, the Ayatollah Khomeini spoke out, risking the wrath of the shah • Khomeini believed the shah and his reforms were an assault on Islam and the role of the clergy in Iranian society • Khomeini considered the shah to be an enemy on Islam and a ruler who was unconcerned about the welfare of the Iranian people