1. Iran: What’s in a Name?
Historically known as Persia until 1935, when Reza Shah Pahlavi asked for the country to be called by its native name
Iran means “Land of the Aryans”
Persia derived from ancient Greek name for Iran, Persis
Name comes from a region in southern Iran called Pars

2. Location Asia: The Middle East North: former Soviet Republics
South: Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
East: Afghanistan, Pakistan
West: Turkey, Iraq
Major Cities: Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Esfahan, Shiraz

3. Map: The Persian Cat

4. The Geography of Iran

5. Iranian Oil Resources

6. Early History
6,000 years of civilization and 2,500 years of written history.
1,400 years of post-Islamic history since the Arab conquest in 7th century AD: religious and national subordination and never-ending conflict.
Median Dynasty ( BC): created first Iranian Empire
Safavid Dynasty ( ): conversion of population towards Shi’ism
Qajar Dynasty ( ): constitutional dynasty; British and Russian spheres of influence

7. History of Iran
In 1921, an Iranian military officer took power claimed the old Persian title of “Shah”, or king.
In 1941 the Shah’s son took control who was an ally to the United States and Britain. He also wanted to modernize Iran.

8. Iran and the Cold War During WWII, Iran was an ally of the Nazis.
So the USSR and Britain invaded the country in 1942 in order to secure oil fields.
Following WWII, the Soviet Union refused to leave Iran until 1946, when the United States threatened to invade Iran and remove the Soviets by force.

9. Pahlavi Dynasty ( )
Ruled Iran from the crowning of Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925 to the overthrow of Reza Shah Pahlavi's son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
By the mid-1930s Reza Shah's dictatorial style of rule caused dissatisfaction among some groups
Dynasty collapsed following widespread uprisings in 1978 and 1979.
Its collapse marks a break in the ancient tradition of Iranian monarchy.

10. Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, (There are two spellings of his last name…)Prime Minister of Iran
Became Prime Minister in 1951.
Nationalized the foreign oil companies.
Got rid of corrupt military officials.
Was toppled in a coup aided by the America CIA in 1953.
The Shah of Iran returns to power. Q4

11. EVENT: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq
CIA and British intelligence (MI6) worked together to overthrow the popularly elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq

12. CAUSES: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq
Mossadeq nationalized (government controlling) the Iranian oil industry, shutting out the British oil companies who previously profited from it.
When Britain boycotted (refused to buy) Iranian oil, Iran sold oil to the Soviet Union
These moves made Mossadeq look like a Communist to American President Eisenhower (COLD WAR!)
The CIA and MI6 (British Intelligence) plotted to overthrow Mossadeq
(watch video)

13. EFFECTS: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq
Shah given more power in Iran, but became increasingly paranoid
Shah began a program of modernization and westernization
Shah was allied with the US, and the US supported the Shah
Britain regained access to Iranian oil

14. On your Left Side, examine this picture and answer the question
On your Left Side, examine this picture and answer the question. Here’s a picture of the Shah having a drink with American President Carter. Think about this image.  What would a devout Muslim in Iran think about it? Why?

15. On your Left Side, answer:
What do you think about the United States and CIA involvement in Iran? Why?

16. Iran under
Shah Reza Pahlavi
( )

17. Shah Reza Pahlavi (r – 1977)
Institutes Western reforms & ties with the West .
But, the majority of his people live in poverty.
Brutal suppression of dissidents  SAVAK Q5

18. The Shah & His Wife, Farah
Iranian elite/upper- and intellectual classes: very pro-Western.

19. “The White Revolution” The Shah’s Reform Program (1963)
Land reform – 90% of Iran’s peasants became land owners.
Massive government-financed heavy industry projects.
Granted women more political power – the right to vote.
Poured government money into education – especially in rural areas where illiteracy was very high.
Profit-sharing for industrial workers.
Nationalization of forests and pasture lands.

20. The Shah at George Washington’s Home, 1950s

21. The Shah with Several American Presidents

22. The Shah with President Jimmy Carter

23. On your Left Side, answer:
What aspects of the Shah’s rule violated the beliefs and practices of Islam?
Why would these actions lead to the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism in Iran?

24. The
Iranian
Revolution

25. Iran: Iranian Revolution
Unfortunately for Shah Reza Pahlavi, the modernization programs were unpopular.
In 1979, he was overthrown during
the Islamic
Revolution.

26. Reasons for the Fall of the Shah
The Shah spent the oil profits for top of the line American military hardware.
Little money to reinvest back into the Iranian economy.
Religious leaders angry with the Shah for too much “Westernization.”
Government corruption.
The Shah’s constitutional violations of the basic human rights of his citizens.

27. CAUSES: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran
The Shah used violence, torture, and the SAVAK (secret police) to remain in power
The economy worsened
Many Iranians wanted to return to a democratic government
The Shah’s reforms insulted devout Muslims
Ayatollah Khomeini preached revolution in mosques (the “Cassette Revolution”)

28. Anti-Shah Protests

29. Opponents of the Shah On your Left Side,
Oil field workers
Students and other intellectuals
Middle class businessmen
Iranian nationalists
Muslim clerics (Cleric is a member of the clergy or religious figure in Islam; like a priest for Catholics or a rabbi for Jews.)
On your Left Side,
Why do you think each of these groups had issues with the Shah’s reign?
Explain and give examples.

30. Anti-American Pin (1960s) On your Left Side, answer:
What cause of the Iranian Revolution does this political button address?

31. Iranian Students Protest in Beverley Hills

32. Anarchy & Revolution
The Shah leaves Iran on 1/16/79. Facing likely execution should he return to Iran, he died in exile in Egypt, whose President, Anwar Sadat, had granted him asylum

33. Ayatollah Khomeini Leads the Revolution
Khomeini returns to Iran on February 11, 1979. Q7

34. Islamic Revolution (1979)
Transformed Iran from a monarchy under Pahlavi dynasty to an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic.
It has been called the third great revolution in history
Helped make Islamic fundamentalism a political force
Constitution based on rule by Islamic jurists
Khomeini—Supreme leader (lifetime appointment)
President—Head of the Government
Cabinet
Supreme Court
Legislation

35. Ayatollah Khomeini (r. 1979-1989)
1902 – 1989.
Became an Islamic scholar (studied in Qom).
Began to speak out against the Shah in the 1960s.
Arrested and imprisoned several times by the Shah.
Deported in 1978 & went to France.

36. EFFECTS: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran
Shah fled Iran, took his money with him!
Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran
Iran became an Islamic theocracy, ruled by Sharia Law
The new government was anti-American (“The Great Satan”) and anti-Israeli
Hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War

37. Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Iranian Soldiers
A theocracy is created! Q8

38. SAVAK Suspects Taken

39. The Fate of the Shah’s Generals

41. Iranian Revolutionary Poster
The caption reads: When the devil leaves, the angel returns!
On your Left Side: What changes does this poster specifically refer to? Explain.

42. On your Left Side,
Design your own political button for in support of the changes made by the Ayatollah.

43. American Embassy in Tehran Taken OverQ9

44. Iran: Takes American Hostages
Iran’s new government set up an Islamic Republic.
Relations with the United States broke down.
In 1979, a mob of Iranian students took Americans hostage.

45. Iran: Takes American Hostages
The Iranian government gave permission for the Americans to be taken hostage.
The Americans were held by force for over 1 year.

46. 52 Americans Held Hostage for 444 Days!

47. On your Left Side:
Imagine you were one of the hostages. What do you think was going to happen to you based upon the recent events of the Iranian Revolution?
Explain.

48. President Carter Becomes a Hostage, Too

49. Hostage Rescue Disaster

50. 52 American Hostages Released in Jan., 1981

51. EFFECTS: 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis
Anti-Iranian feeling in US (sale of Iranian flags actually increased!)
President Carter seen as having failed to gain release of hostages
Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan won 1980 Presidential election in US
Hostages released on Reagan’s inauguration in exchange for $8 billion ($5 billion was used by Iran to pay debts to US anyway)
Khomeini needed money with war against Iraq looming

52. 1980s—strained time with US
52 U.S. diplomats held hostage by group of Iranian terrorists who took over American embassy in support of the Islamic revolution.
444 day hostage crisis ended in 1981
The incident was seen by many as a blow against U.S. influence in Iran and its support of the recently fallen Shah of Iran, Pahlavi, who had recently been allowed into the United States for cancer treatment.
In Iran, the crisis is thought to have strengthened the political hold of radical anti-American forces who supported the hostage taking.
The crisis also marked the beginning of American legal action, or sanctions, that weakened economic ties between Iran and America.

53. The
Islamic
Republic
of Iran

54. The Khomeini Revolution

55. Women in Iran
A woman’s hijab represents her Islamic and moral values.

56. Political Cartoon Commentary
On your Left side:
What is the message of this political cartoon?
Explain.
The dictatorship is gone! Bring on the dictatorship!

57. Support for the Palestinian Cause
Funds Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Ayatollah with Yasir Arafat.

58. Iran
The Iranian Revolution (1979) was followed by the Iraq/Iran War which began in 1980 (and discussed earlier in this presentation).

59. the Ayatollah Khomeini
Iran
Since the
Death of
the Ayatollah Khomeini

60. Khomeini’s Death (June, 1989)

61. Iran: Government

62. Iran: Government
Iran is a theocracy – a government ruled by religious leaders.

63. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The Ayatollah represents the fundamentalist Mullahs.

64. Iran: Government
An expert on Islamic law is the supreme leader.

65. The Ayatollah is considered a political moderate.
Ayatollah Khatami
The Ayatollah is considered a political moderate.
Q12

66. Support for the Shi’ites in Iraq Today
Moqtada al-Sadr, radical Shi’ite leader in Fallujah, Iraq

67. Iran: Government
Iran has an elected president and legislature (chosen by the spiritual leader).

68. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Born 1956
Engineer, Party: Alliance of Builders of Islamic Iran
Elected mayor of Tehran in 2003
Won ~60% of the popular vote in 2005 presidential election
Outspoken and often controversial for his views on Israel, the US, Great Britain, and human rights

69. The Summer 2009 Elections (June 12)
Candidates Ahmadinejad and Mir-Hussein Mousavi receive 62% and 34% of the popular vote, respectively
Public outcry came against wide-spread accusations of voting irregularities
Video Commentary
This link is one of a HUGE amount of material on this election available online. The elections were Tweeted, Facebooked, 24 hour news networked, commented, Wikied, Huffington Posted, and more!
A little online digging goes a long way.

71. On your Left Side, answer:
CARTOON 1: Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? What does the cartoon suggest about the government in Iran?

73. On your Left Side, answer:
Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? Who are the bearded men in black meant to symbolize? What is the skeletal remains of the horse meant to represent? What does the artist imply about the reform movement’s opinion of the United States?

75. On your Left Side, answer:
Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi? What does the cartoon suggest about the role of the Supreme Leader in the election? Who or what is the “loser” according to the cartoon? What does this cartoon imply about democracy in Iran?

77. Iran: Governmental Policies
Iran’s government has supported many hard-line policies.
For example: call for the destruction of Israel
For example: supported terrorist groups

78. US satellite photo of Iranian nuclear facility near Arak.
Another Nuclear Power?
US satellite photo of Iranian nuclear facility near Arak.

79. PINOCCHIAYATOLLAH Scott Stantis (Birmingham News) 1/28/05
An American view of Iranian nuclear power: What children’s story is this political cartoon playing off of?
PINOCCHIAYATOLLAH Scott Stantis (Birmingham News) 1/28/05

80. A view of Iran’s nuclear power from Al-Jazeerah
Nobody else (particularly Iran and Arab countries) should have nuclear weapons except Israel, says Bush Hassan Bleybel 10/23/03

81. On your Left Side,
What is the cartoonist’s main point or position in the following political cartoon?
How do you know?

83. Iranian Demographics Population—nearly 70 million
Life expectancy at birth—69 years
Birth rate—17 per 1,000 persons
Death rate—6 per 1,000 persons
Literacy rate—72%

84. Persian Language (Iran) ڢارسى
Also called “Farsi”
Indo-European (Aryan)
Dialects of Persian also spoken in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and among minorities in other states
Arabic alphabet (with some differences) and some borrowed words from Arabic

85. Ethnicity and Religion
Although there are various sub-groups, the majority of Iranians would say their religion is Islam.
The largest ethnic group in Iran is Persians, followed by Azeris.

86. Economy Mixed System: Large and dominating public sector
Small private sector
Multinational corporations
Structure:
Agriculture 24%
Industry 28%
Services 48%
Major Exports: petroleum, carpets, nuts
Major Imports: capital goods, food items
Unemployment rate: 16% and rising

87. Another Future Revolution?

88. A Youth Powered Society
Youth Demographic
Between years old—25 million (35%)
Median age—26 years old
Legal voting age—16 years old
Issue of high concern
High unemployment

89. Women in Iran Higher Education—65%
Changing Marriage and Child Custody Laws
Shirin Edabi: Nobel Peace Prize 2003
Professional life
Women in all aspects of work force
Inequality in senior and managerial jobs

90. Women and the Islamic Dress Code

91. Reza Pahlavi (III?), 43 year-old son of the deposed Shah.
A “Shah” in the Waiting?
Reza Pahlavi (III?), 43 year-old son of the deposed Shah.