The Iranian Revolution (1978-1979) was the social movement that arose from widespread and diverse discontent with the monarchic government of Iran. The revolution was fought against the regime of Mohammad Reza Shah (r. 1941-1979), and it culminated in the end of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979 to present).
The Iranian Revolution originated from deep-rooted problems that preceded the Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979). There was deep dissatisfaction with the lack of democracy in Iran, the economic conditions, the religious immorality of the monarchy and wider society, and the enduring presence of foreign forces. The constitutional revolution (1905-1907) took place to express these dissatisfactions and to protest against the rule of the Qajar dynasty (1789-1925). It resulted in the establishment of a constitution and the Majlis, an elected representative parliament. However, the maintained proximity of the shah to foreign forces remained unpopular and eventually led to the demise of the Qajars, and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty.
The new shah, Reza Shah Pahlavi (r. 1925-1941), instigated a programme of 'modernisation', which would be continually pursued in the reign of his successor, Mohammad Reza Shah, despite significant disapproval from religious leaders. The Pahlavi dynasty, although popular at times, became a symbol of Western immorality and religious sacrilege. Protests became a regular feature of Iranian society, and the revolution of 1978-9 ultimately established the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Constitutional Revolution
In late 19th- and early 20th-century Iran, there was increasing unrest among secular intellectuals and the Shia clergy against the rule of the Qajar dynasty, which they argued did not resist enough foreign economic and political interference.
This discontent led to the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1907. Groups opposing the rule of Mozaffar o-Din Shah (r. 1896-1907) led long economic strikes and protests in most major cities across Iran. In October 1906, a constitution was drawn up that included limitations on royal power and the introduction of an elected representative parliament (called Majlis). The Shah died five days after signing the constitution, on 3 January 1907. Along with the Supplementary Fundamental Laws passed in early 1907, which provided freedom of speech, press, and association, the constitution marked a new democratisation in Iran and the precedent for a popular uprising that led to successful political upheaval.
Representatives of the First Iranian Parliament
National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, World Digital Library (Public Domain)
The Qajar dynasty was eventually overthrown in the Persian coup d'etat of February 1921 after military officer Reza Khan led the Persian Cossack brigade to seize power. Reza Khan was placed on the throne, becoming Reza Shah Pahlavi, the first monarch of the new Pahlavi dynasty.
