The 1905-1911 Iranian Constitutional Movement stands as one of the most significant events in the Middle East history, particularly in the history of Iran. This movement showed the desire of Iranians for freedom, dignity, equity, and independence. Despite the years of political and economic issues of Qajar period, Iranians tried to shift the policies of their government in the benefit of the people. During the Pahlavi period, Iranians achieved a relative modernization and development. However, they still did not have political freedoms and development. For many Iranians, the Islamic Republic was meant to carry the positive aspects of the Pahlavi dynasty while ending its negative aspects such as lack of political freedom. Even though the Islamic
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Through the Fundamental Law and Supplementary Fundamental Law of the constitution, Iranians wanted to achieve their desire for equality, dignity, freedom, justice, independence, and protection of their rights. The people were eager to end the concessions to the western powers and stop giving away the country’s resources with little benefits to Iranians. In other words, Iranians wanted to end the concessions and foreign interference in order to achieve independence. After death of Mozafar al Din Shah, Mohammad Ali Shah was not in favor of the constitution despite his initial oath to respect the constitution. Consequently, he attacked the Majles, arresting and killing many representatives and protests. This event put an end to the constitutional movement in …show more content…
1918-1919 Great Famine) also contributed to the backwardness of the country. The desire of people to have freedom and independence was yet to be achieved. The establishment of Pahlavi dynasty in 1925 addressed the relation between Iran and the West in different levels. Reza Shah established an absolute monarchy while adopting the policy of modernization from above in order to modernize and westernize Iran. Even though Ulama (clerics) were against westernizing Iran, Reza Shah was able to bring forward many of its policies. A component of Iranians’ Constitutional Movement was to develop the country in order to reach a relative independence. In this regard, both Reza Shah and his son, Mohammad Reza Shah tried to address this desire of Iranians towards development. However, both Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah failed to address the other components which Iranians were seeking during the constitutional movement: freedom, equality, and personal rights. During Mohammad Reza Shah, he still gave concessions (mainly oil) to the West. Furthermore, people were not given political and social freedoms such as freedom of speech. Many political groups were also suppressed by US- and Israeli-trained SAVAK, which added to the negative image of Iranians towards the US and Israel. Iranians were eager to end the foreign interference in Iran’s domestic issues, however, this was disregarded during the Pahlavi period. In early 1950’s,
Through the Fundamental Law and Supplementary Fundamental Law of the constitution, Iranians wanted to achieve their desire for equality, dignity, freedom, justice, independence, and protection of their rights. The people were eager to end the concessions to the western powers and stop giving away the country’s resources with little benefits to Iranians. In other words, Iranians wanted to end the concessions and foreign interference in order to achieve independence. After death of Mozafar al Din Shah, Mohammad Ali Shah was not in favor of the constitution despite his initial oath to respect the constitution. Consequently, he attacked the Majles, arresting and killing many representatives and protests. This event put an end to the constitutional movement in …show more content…
1918-1919 Great Famine) also contributed to the backwardness of the country. The desire of people to have freedom and independence was yet to be achieved. The establishment of Pahlavi dynasty in 1925 addressed the relation between Iran and the West in different levels. Reza Shah established an absolute monarchy while adopting the policy of modernization from above in order to modernize and westernize Iran. Even though Ulama (clerics) were against westernizing Iran, Reza Shah was able to bring forward many of its policies. A component of Iranians’ Constitutional Movement was to develop the country in order to reach a relative independence. In this regard, both Reza Shah and his son, Mohammad Reza Shah tried to address this desire of Iranians towards development. However, both Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah failed to address the other components which Iranians were seeking during the constitutional movement: freedom, equality, and personal rights. During Mohammad Reza Shah, he still gave concessions (mainly oil) to the West. Furthermore, people were not given political and social freedoms such as freedom of speech. Many political groups were also suppressed by US- and Israeli-trained SAVAK, which added to the negative image of Iranians towards the US and Israel. Iranians were eager to end the foreign interference in Iran’s domestic issues, however, this was disregarded during the Pahlavi period. In early 1950’s,