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Iranian Revolution

IRANIAN REVOLUTION

Introduction

Overview of the revolution

If the twentieth century were to go down in history as a revolution century , Iran should undoubtedly claim a special distinction . In a span of seventy short years - short in terms of Iran 's 2500 years of documented history - the political status quo was threatened , tested , or changed by no less than seven different challenges to the incumbent political authority

What was it

In 1906 , a group of intellectual , enlightened politicians , establishment ulama , and bazaar merchants rose against the tyrannical absolutism of

br the Qajar monarchy in favor of a just and free society . In February 1921 , a successful coup d 'ytat was launched by the head of the Cossack brigade - Colonel Reza Khan , the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty - against the corruption and ineptitude of the last Qajar king , the virtual colonization of Iran by Britain and Russia , and internal anarchy . In 1941 , the Allied invasion of Iran , under the pretext of opening a supply route from the Persian Gulf to the Soviet Union , forced Reza Shah 's abdication from the throne , and placed in jeopardy the continuation of the Pahlavi rule

How did it happen

In 1946 , the provinces of Azerbaijan and Kurdistan , with Soviet support and encouragement , demanded local autonomy from the central government but later surrendered to Tehran authority . In 1953 , an abortive challenge was made by Mohammad Mossadeq and his followers to Mohammad Reza Shah 's reign and rule regime . In 1962-63 , a chain of civil uprisings took place in support of Ayatollah Khomeini against the shah 's so-called White Revolution and Western orientation . And in 1978-79 , a mass uprising under the ultimate leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini ultimately led to the shah 's overthrow and the establishment of an Islamic republic

The volcanic political explosion that ended the Pahlavi dynasty in February 1979 is still remembered with astonishment , dismay , and disbelief . Even after more than a decade , the effects of that ominous event are still reverberating through the intelligence community diplomatic circles , academic conferences , and research centers . The multitude of theories and hypotheses offered by area specialists academic experts , accredited diplomats , Middle East correspondents of major world media , Iranian and foreign government officials , and others bear witness to the intractable character of the event

There is considerable agreement among Iranologists that the Pahlavi debacle was an uncommon event in the sense that a viable economy , an experienced political leader , and a seemingly solid regime backed by a strong military force were brought down not be a foreign invasion , not by a palace coup , not by an armed uprising , and not by an internal ethnic challenge - but by nationwide labor strikes , protracted public sector slow-downs , massive street demonstrations , guerilla attacks riots , and sabotage . The historical oddity , if not uniqueness , of the Iranian revolution can be seen in its four salient features : its unforeseen rapid rise its wide base of urban support its vague ideological character and , above all , its ultimate singular objective to oust the shah

Iranian Revolution changed lives...

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