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Royal Missteps

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The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was the result of complex and interconnected issues that built up over many years, ultimately leading to the fall of the Pahlavi monarchy (Abrahamian, 2008). This revolution didn’t happen suddenly but was shaped by a long history of economic, political, and social tensions. While international forces played a role, the upheaval within Iran was largely inevitable due to the growing dissatisfaction among the population.


A key factor driving the revolution was socio-economic inequality. Although the Shah pursued modernization and ambitious economic reforms, wealth stayed concentrated within the elite. Many in the middle class, especially the landed middle classes and bazaari merchants, became increasingly frustrated with the regime. Instead of reducing social divides, modernization deepened them, leaving much of the middle class excluded from its benefits.

The rise of Ayatollah Khomeini, a prominent Shia cleric, further inspired the people of Iran and made the idea of revolution seem possible. His opposition to the Shah’s policies and his advocacy for velayat-e faqih resonated with those disillusioned with the government. Khomeini's ability to unite various opposition groups under his religious vision played a crucial role in building momentum.



The revolution gained strength through large public protests, like the Ashura rally in December 1978, where millions marched through Tehran, showing how weak the Shah's control had become and how much influence Khomeini was gaining (Page 161). The Shah’s authoritarian rule, focus on modernization over addressing basic social needs, and reliance on support from the U.S. and Europe angered many Iranians. By establishing a one-party state and suppressing political dissent, he created even more resentment. European countries, though less directly involved, amplified the opposition's voice, with French media playing a key role in spreading Khomeini’s messages abroad. The Shah had “alienated almost every sector of society,” leading many to believe that change was the only option (Page 155).

In the end, the Shah’s failure to address the Iranian people’s grievances, combined with his reliance on foreign allies and neglect of domestic needs, created conditions that made revolution unavoidable. 

- K.A.
References:

Abrahamian, Ervand. 2008. A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/history-of-modern-iran/96733B4BF86FFB9B9C867798EEE839F8.

FRANCE 24 English. 2019. “A Rare Look inside Iran, 40 Years after the Islamic Revolution.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tolXy9ZpGzg.

Erdbrink, Thomas. 2019. “The Iran Revolution at 40: From Theocracy to ‘Normality.’” The New York Times, February 10, 2019. .

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2019. “The 1979 Iran Revolution: How It Happened.” YouTube Video. YouTube. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/10/world/middleeast/iran-revolution-40.html

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  1. Khers Asali Asal Khers
  2. Iran, Islam & the Inevitable Kimia

Contents of this tag:

  1. The Emperor's New Clothes
  2. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
  3. Failed Revolutionary Fighters – Islamic Regime’s Abandonment of Iranian Revolutionary Women

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