Iran's Revolution

The Iranian revolution 

Introduction

Iran's revolution began with a popular democracy movement and ended with the establishment of the world's first Islamic state.

The revolution turned Iranian society upside down and became one of the defining moments of the 20th Century.

The Shah

Before the revolution Iran was ruled by Shah Reza Pahlavi. Power was clustered among a close network of the Shah's relations and friends.

During the 1970s the gap between Iran's rich and poor grew.

Distrust of the Shah's economic policy and resentment of his autocratic style fuelled dissent against his regime.

Voice of opposition

Opposition voices rallied round Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a shia cleric living in exile in Paris.

Promising social and economic reform, the ayatollah prescribed a return to traditional religious values, which struck a chord with many Iranians.

Gathering storm

As the 1970s drew to a close, a series of large-scale, increasingly violent anti-Shah protests swept Iran.

Instability, including a wave of general strikes, continued throughout the year, crippling the country's economy.

Fallen leader

In January 1979, the Shah left Tehran for an "extended vacation".

He was never to return.

All over Iran statues of the Shah were torn down by Khomeini supporters.

Final straw

In his final act before fleeing, the Shah appointed Prime Minister Shahpur Bakhtiar as head of a regency council to run the country in his absence.

Mr Bakhtiar tried to stave off the growing tide of opposition. He refused to allow Ayatollah Khomeini to form a new government.

Violence erupts

On 1 February 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini made a dramatic return from exile.

Political and social instability increased. Street battles raged in towns and provinces between pro-Khomeini demonstrators and police and security officers, and supporters of the imperial regime.

The revolution

On the 11 February, tanks rumbled through the streets of Tehran amid rumours of an impending military coup.

However as the day wore on it became apparent that the army had little appetite for seizing power.

Revolutionaries stormed Tehran's main radio station and declared: "This is the voice of the revolution of the Iranian people!"

New era begins

Prime Minister Bakhtiar resigned. Two months later Ayatollah Khomeini won a landslide victory in a national referendum.

He declared an Islamic republic, and was appointed Iran's political and religious leader for life.

Information Taken from: https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/04/middle_east_the_iranian_revolution/html/1.stm