This research will discuss different ways, in which the Islamic Government has turned the country’s social and economic status into unprecedented cascade.
The Iranian revolution of 1979 was believed to be a turning point of the country’s struggle for freedom and economic prosperity. Historically, Iran had experienced a series of power transition, especially during the 19th Century. In the early 19th Century, there was a remarkable power shift, which was characterized by a substantial change of leadership styles and developmental strategies. One of the power transitions, which occurred, in the 19th Century was the siege of the Kajar dynasty by Reza Khan, in 1921. Reza Khan overthrew the Kajar dynasty because; he was dissatisfied with the developmental strategies adopted by the Iranian leader. Moreover, the Iranian political regime exercised unprecedented social injustices, especially under the Islamic law. Therefore, Reza overthrew the Kajar dynasty with the principal objective of igniting economic development and social transformation under the wave of western modernization and civilization.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Progress of the Pahlavi Dynasty
- Iranian Revolution and the Setback in the Country's Culture
- Iranian Relation with the U.S
- Freedom of Religion in Shah and Islamic State
Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to analyze the impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on the country's social, economic, and political landscape, contrasting the progress made under the Pahlavi dynasty with the subsequent changes under the Islamic Republic. It explores the shift in power dynamics, cultural transformations, and foreign relations resulting from this pivotal historical event.
- The economic and social progress achieved under the Pahlavi dynasty.
- The cultural setbacks following the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
- The changing relationship between Iran and the United States.
- The impact of the revolution on religious freedom in Iran.
- The consequences of the Islamic Republic's policies on Iranian society.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage by highlighting the 1979 Iranian Revolution as a turning point in Iran's history, emphasizing the shift from the Pahlavi dynasty to the Islamic Republic. It briefly touches upon the previous power transitions in 19th-century Iran, specifically Reza Khan's overthrow of the Qajar dynasty, and frames the study's objective to analyze the contrasting impacts of these regimes on the country's development. The introduction notes that while the revolution aimed for freedom and prosperity, it unexpectedly reversed progress, highlighting the need for a detailed examination of this reversal.
Progress of the Pahlavi Dynasty: This chapter details the significant advancements achieved under the Pahlavi dynasty, contrasting them with the challenges of the preceding Qajar era. Reza Shah Pahlavi's improvements to Iran's infrastructure, particularly in transportation and communication, are highlighted as catalysts for economic growth and improved living standards. The chapter emphasizes the role of Iran's relationship with Allied powers (the U.S. and Britain) in boosting economic development, specifically focusing on the flourishing oil industry. The chapter also discusses the introduction of Westernization programs, promoting modernization and religious freedom, but also acknowledges the political crises the Shah faced in the 1950s.
Iranian Revolution and the Setback in the Country's Culture: This chapter focuses on the 1979 Iranian Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini and its impact on Iranian culture. The establishment of the Islamic Republic and the subsequent reversal of Westernization policies are central themes. The chapter analyzes how Khomeini's government enforced Islamic law, reversing the progress made in areas like women's empowerment and social equality. The chapter argues that the cultural changes under the Shah, which had fostered a more open and modern society, were largely undone by the imposition of stricter Islamic norms, leading to a significant cultural setback.
Iranian Relation with the U.S: This section explores the evolution of Iran's relationship with the United States, showing how it changed drastically after the revolution. The chapter contrasts the generally positive relationship during the Pahlavi dynasty, which contributed to Iran's economic progress, with the deep hostility that emerged under the Islamic Republic. Key events like the seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran and Iran's support for groups opposed to U.S. interests are discussed, highlighting the resulting economic sanctions and strained international relations. The chapter shows how the post-revolutionary government failed to build and maintain strong relationships with the global community and demonstrates this through the war with Iraq.
Freedom of Religion in Shah and Islamic State: This chapter examines the state of religious freedom under both the Pahlavi dynasty and the Islamic Republic. It highlights the relative religious tolerance under the Shah, marked by the introduction of Western ideas and practices, allowing for a degree of religious pluralism. This is contrasted with the restrictions on religious freedom under the Islamic Republic, which enforced a strict adherence to Shia Islam. The chapter emphasizes the significant difference in religious freedom between the two regimes, suggesting a major shift from a relatively tolerant environment to a more restrictive one under the Islamic Republic.
Keywords
Iranian Revolution, Pahlavi Dynasty, Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini, Reza Shah Pahlavi, Westernization, economic development, cultural change, US relations, religious freedom, political transition.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Iranian Revolution and its Impact
What is the main focus of this research?
This research analyzes the impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution on Iran's social, economic, and political landscape. It compares the progress made under the Pahlavi dynasty with the subsequent changes under the Islamic Republic, exploring shifts in power, culture, and foreign relations.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the economic and social progress under the Pahlavi dynasty; the cultural setbacks following the 1979 revolution; the changing relationship between Iran and the United States; the impact of the revolution on religious freedom; and the consequences of the Islamic Republic's policies on Iranian society.
What is covered in the "Progress of the Pahlavi Dynasty" chapter?
This chapter details advancements under the Pahlavi dynasty, contrasting them with the Qajar era. It highlights Reza Shah Pahlavi's infrastructure improvements, the role of Allied relationships in economic development (especially the oil industry), and the introduction of Westernization programs. It also acknowledges political crises faced by the Shah.
What does the chapter on the "Iranian Revolution and the Setback in the Country's Culture" discuss?
This chapter focuses on the 1979 revolution's impact on Iranian culture. It examines the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the reversal of Westernization policies, the enforcement of Islamic law, and the resulting setbacks in areas like women's empowerment and social equality.
What is the focus of the chapter on "Iranian Relations with the U.S."?
This chapter explores the evolution of Iran-U.S. relations, contrasting the generally positive relationship during the Pahlavi dynasty with the hostility that followed the revolution. Key events like the embassy seizure and Iran's support for anti-U.S. groups are discussed, along with the resulting sanctions and strained international relations.
What does the chapter on "Freedom of Religion in Shah and Islamic State" cover?
This chapter compares religious freedom under the Pahlavi dynasty and the Islamic Republic. It highlights the relative religious tolerance under the Shah, contrasted with the restrictions and enforcement of Shia Islam under the Islamic Republic.
What are the key chapters included in the preview?
The preview includes chapters on: Introduction, Progress of the Pahlavi Dynasty, Iranian Revolution and the Setback in the Country's Culture, Iranian Relation with the U.S., and Freedom of Religion in Shah and Islamic State.
What keywords describe the research's subject matter?
Keywords include: Iranian Revolution, Pahlavi Dynasty, Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini, Reza Shah Pahlavi, Westernization, economic development, cultural change, US relations, religious freedom, and political transition.
What is the overall objective of this research?
The research aims to analyze the impact of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, contrasting the progress under the Pahlavi dynasty with the changes under the Islamic Republic. It seeks to understand the resulting shifts in power dynamics, cultural transformations, and foreign relations.
Where can I find more information on this topic?
This preview provides a summary; further details would be available in the complete research document.
- Quote paper
- Caroline Mutuku (Author), 2018, The consequences of the revolution in Iran in the 1970s, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/428837
