Iran & the Islamic Revolution of 1979

What is the religious make up of Iran?

Population Density - Iran

What is the ethnic make up of Iran?

Islamic Republic of Iran  Theocracy: Government ruled strictly by religion  Fundamentalism: Ideology that seeks to unite religion with the state; make religion sovereign authority of the state; make religion sole foundation for modern regime and politics

Characteristics of Iranian Political Culture 1. Authoritarianism, not totalitarianism 2. Union of political and religious authority 3. Shiism and Sharia – central components 4. Escape from European colonization 5. Geographic limitations 6. Influence of Ancient Persia – nationalist sentiment

Questions to Discuss 1. Why do the US and Iran have such a tense relationship? 2. What are the concerns of the US government as it relates to Iran today? 3. Was this always the case? 4. What do you know about the 1979 Islamic Revolution?

Regime: Pre-Islamic Republic  Pahlavi Dynasty – Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925 – 1941) Muhammad Reza Shah ( )  How to characterize? 1. Authoritarian rule/monarchy 2. Centralized governmental power highly bureaucratic (based on patron-client network; patronage system) 3. Secular society 4. Nationalized industry (Except bazaari class) 5. “Rentier state” 6. Close ties with Western powers/companies 7. Modernize society via White Revolution

Watch 20 th Century CBS Video and Take Notes on Following:  Accomplishments of Pahlavi Dynasty  Causes of 1979 Revolution  Opposition Groups to Pahlavi Dynasty

Long-term Causes of “Last Great Social” Revolution of 20 th Century 1. Marginalized groups 2. Disparity between rich and poor 3. Western ideas – unacceptable 4. Undue influence of the West 5. Oil Boom of early 70s 6. Pressure from President Carter –Human Rights Violations 7. Relaxed grip on Civil Society by Shah 8. Charismatic Leader: Ayatollah Khomeini

Revolution of 1979 – Opposition Groups (Coalition) 1. Urban Poor 2. Moderate Middle Class 3. Marxist/Communists 4. Bazaari Class 5. Religious Clergy

Timeline  January 16, 1979Shah leaves Iran  February 11, 1979 Khomeini returns to Iran  April 1979Referendum – 97% endorsed Islamic Republic (structure determined later)  Late 1979Constitution Created

Jurist’s Guardianship  “Velayat-e-faqih” – Principle of government which allows learned clerics to rule the government and make policy decisions based on Sharia law.  Faquih – leading Islamic jurist