Why was there a revolution in Iran 1979?
What modifications gave a massive boost to opposition groups?
Releasing a number of political prisoners, allowing the Red Cross into prisons, and introducing measures to ensure a fair trial in courts.
What was one of the most insensitive acts of the new Resurgence Party?
Replacing the Muslim calendar with a new imperial calendar.
What were the other main political parties?
Yes, Yes Sir, Yes Of Course (Melliyun, Iran Novin, Mardom)
When did the Shah of Iran leave the country?
16 January 1979
When did the Shah's reign begin?
1941
When was Khomeini forced into exile?
1964.
How many agents and informers were in the SAVAK?
5,000 agents and an unknown number of informers.
How big was Iran's army?
5th largest army in the world.
What were the tasks of the SAVAK?
Act as the eyes and ears of the Shah, impose censorship, and to screen government and university appointments.
When was the White Revolution?
After 1963.
Why did the Shah regard Mussadeq as a threat?
Because Mussadeq argued in favour of more limited powers for the monarchy.
Who controlled Iran's oil?
Britain, through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.
How was opposition to the Shah's rule rooted out?
By the secret police/a new intelligence service - known as SAVAK.
How did the new Resurgence Party begin making new enemies for the Shah's regime?
By waging an anti-profiteering campaign in the bazaars (forcing fixed prices to be set) and attacking the clerical establishment.
What effect did the American influence on Iran have on the local people?
Efforts of local farmers were undercut when American foodstuffs were being imported and the interests of bazaar merchants was damaged when shopping malls were introduced.
When was the SAVAK established? Who helped them?
Established in 1957 with the help of the FBI and the Israeli Mossad.
When the Khomeini return to Iran?
February 1 1979 - he landed in Tehran.
Why was Khomeini forced into exile?
For undermining the Shah with his preaching and writing.
What was Khomeini's main focus in his recordings?
He concentrated on issues that would gain maximum support among his audience.
What did the Shah decide in March 1975?
He decided to establish a 1 party state declaring the existence of a new Resurgence Party.
How many people welcomed Khomeini when he returned to Iran?
He had welcoming crowds with as many as 3 million people.
Why did the Shah authorise the concessions in 1977?
He hoped that a tactical retreat would save the monarchy but instead, it unleashed mass protests and rallies as opposition became more evident and vocal.
Why was Mussadeq popular with the Iranian people?
He insisted upon Iranian independence from foreign domination.
What was the final stage of Khomeini's revolt against the Shah?
He made it clear that he would not return to Iran until the Shah had left the country.
What did Khomeini do during his exile?
He smuggled recorded cassette tapes and soundbites of his political message across the border into Iran.
What did Ayatollah Khomeini do for everyone who opposed the Pahlavian monarchy?
He united all opposition.
What did the health reforms do? Why were they unsuccessful?
Health reforms did increase the number of doctors, nurses and hospital beds, but even by mid 1970s, Iran still had one of the worst infant mortality rates and doctor-patient ratios in the Middle East.
Who nationalised Iran's oil industry?
Prime Minister Mussadeq.
Where did Khomeini spend most of his exile?
In the Iraqi city of Najaf.
Why were the education reforms unsuccessful?
Iran still had high levels of adult illiteracy and only a low proportion of the population was in higher education.
Why did the Shah authorise a relaxation of police controls in 1977?
It was largely a response to increasing international criticism of human rights violations within Iran.
What were the main features of the White Revolution?
Land reform, industrial expansion, health and educational reforms.
What was most of the nation's money spent on?
Military expansion.
Were the reforms of the White Revolution successful?
No, many of them were regarded as inadequate or they simply backfired.
Where was the rich-poor inequality most obvious?
Tehran, the rich lived in luxurious palaces while the poor lived in shanty towns.
Who helped the Shah overthrow Mussadeq in a military coup in 1953?
The CIA and MI6
How did influence from the USA become more apparent in Iran?
The Shah began importing large quantities of American foodstuffs (cattle and poultry) and introduced American-style shopping malls.
What happened the 10 days following Khomeini's return to Iran?
The destruction of the Pahlavian dynasty was confirmed, the army declared its neutrality, street fights removed any remaining supporters of the old regime.
What were the land reforms designed to do? Why were they unsuccessful?
They were designed to modernise Iran's rural areas by redistributing land amongst the peasantry, but most peasants ended up with barely enough to support their families and were no better off than landless labourers. Also, most villages still lacked piped water, electricity, roads and other basic services.
What were some of the brutal tactics of the SAVAK?
Torture, forced confessions, and summary executions.
