Reza Pahlavi's Influence On Iranian Society

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi began his rule in 1941, following in his father’s footsteps. The first several years in power were very turbulent and unstable. He was rejected and removed from his Monarch position for a temporary period of time in 1953. He resumed power with the help of a US CIA and British backed coup. Many Iranians were not happy with the outside involvement by the United States and the hypocrisy of self-determination and democracy. Anti-western resentment was building. During this brief time, Iran was in a state of uproar and disorder. Mohammad believed the traditional system of Iran needed major improvements that could lead to westernizing. He began this process by introducing a new reform program called the White Revolution. It was named white (pure) in contrast to black, representing evil. These new sets of laws were meant to appease the people and their demands. The Shah wanted these reforms to be a nonviolent “rebirth” of Iranian society through large economic and social reforms with the end goal being a global economic power. This was his vision for Iran. The revolution …show more content…
His economic reforms were poorly implemented and caused much inflation and economic unrest. Shah’s popularity decreased, he instituted martial law and banned all unauthorized meetings. He continued exerting his power by also banning political parties, suppressing revolts, and curtailing clergies voice and power. He controlled the press and used his secret police to suppress those who openly disagreed or opposed him and his rule. His secret police, SAVAK, were relied upon to control society. Regression occurred in many aspects of Iranian life and freedoms for all became very compromised. Torture was an everyday occurrence. Huge protests were occurring all over the country and many women were part of this revolt. As a result of the major uproar and insanity in Iran, Mohammad fled the country and monarchy was taken