Document 1 Until this year, Iran appeared to most Americans to be a model of stability headed by an iron-fisted monarch determined to use his oil wealth and authoritarian leadership to modernize the country. For the last 10 months, however, Iran has been the scene of almost daily riots, strikes or protests with a real potential for civil war in the offing. All this is designed to overthrow the shah—the man who had provided land, much of it his own, to his people, unshackled women and was portrayed by many, including himself, as the Great Modernizer of a backward land. There is no question that under the shah, Iran has made great strides toward modernization and eliminating some of the heritage of the past. The country has embarked on a vast industrialization program, has quadrupled its per capita income since the 1960s, has doubled the literacy rate and has markedly improved health care. Source: Jay Ross, “Iran: Modernization, Repression, and Now, Reaction,” Washington Post, 1978. 1. Explain the historical context that led to the shah’s reform and “modernization” efforts, as well as Iranian backlash. [1] Response:

Question

Document 1 Until this year, Iran appeared to most Americans to be a model of stability headed by an iron-fisted monarch determined to use his oil wealth and authoritarian leadership to modernize the country. For the last 10 months, however, Iran has been the scene of almost daily riots, strikes or protests with a real potential for civil war in the offing. All this is designed to overthrow the shah—the man who had provided land, much of it his own, to his people, unshackled women and was portrayed by many, including himself, as the Great Modernizer of a backward land. There is no question that under the shah, Iran has made great strides toward modernization and eliminating some of the heritage of the past. The country has embarked on a vast industrialization program, has quadrupled its per capita income since the 1960s, has doubled the literacy rate and has markedly improved health care. Source: Jay Ross, “Iran: Modernization, Repression, and Now, Reaction,” Washington Post, 1978. 1. Explain the historical context that led to the shah’s reform and “modernization” efforts, as well as Iranian backlash. [1] Response:

Answer 1

The historical context that led to the shah's reform and "modernization" efforts can be traced back to the early 20th century, when Iran experienced a period of rapid social and political change. The country was ruled by the Qajar dynasty, which was seen as weak and corrupt, leading to a series of political and economic crises. In 1925, Reza Shah Pahlavi, the father of the shah mentioned in the document, came to power through a coup d'état and established the Pahlavi dynasty.

Reza Shah embarked on a series of modernization efforts, including the promotion of secularism, westernization, and industrialization. His reforms were aimed at reducing the influence of the clerics and traditional elites, as well as modernizing the economy and society. These efforts continued under his son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who came to power in 1941.

Under the younger shah's rule, Iran experienced significant economic growth and modernization, with investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The shah sought to portray himself as a progressive and modern leader, particularly to western audiences. However, his reforms were not without controversy and resistance.

Many Iranians saw the shah's modernization efforts as superficial and repressive, particularly in terms of his authoritarian rule and close ties to western powers. The rapid pace of change also led to social dislocation and economic inequality, with many Iranians feeling marginalized and left behind by the government's policies.

The backlash against the shah's regime can be seen as a response to these grievances, as well as a broader desire for political and social change. The riots, strikes, and protests mentioned in the document reflect the growing discontent and opposition to the shah's rule, eventually culminating in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.