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The Beginning of the Pahlavi dynasty
After staging a coup in 1921, Reza Shah as war minister and prime minister under Ahmad Shah built an army loyal to him and also managed to bring political order in the country. Reza Shah wished to declare himself as a president – just like the Turkey’s secular national president. However, instead he deposed the weak Ahmad Shah in 1925 and crowned himself as Reza Shah Pahlavi. -
Persia changes its name to Iran
By the decree of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the official name of Persia was changed to Iran, which it has been known and called by the native Iranians (Although foreigners called the nation Persia, local residents have always called it Iran). This was a decision to eliminate further confusion. -
Allied Powers Invade Iran
Reza Shah’s need to expand trade, his fear of the renewed Soviets control over Iran, and continued British presence in Iran drove him to expand trade with the German Nazis in the 1930s. Therefore, despite the fact that Iran declared neutrality during the World War II, it was invaded by the Soviet and Britain who demanded Iran to get rid of the Germans or face the consequences. This caused the resignation of the prime minister of Iran, and although he did his best to stay in power, Reza Shah was -
Iran Declares War on Germany
Iran, under the occupation of the Soviet and Britain, did not have much choice. Therefore, it declared war on Germany. Iran announced to join the League of Nations on July 5th. This move was to somehow stay by the winning side towards the end of the war. On September 14th, Iran officially became a member of the United Nations. -
Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchil in Tehran
Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin met in Tehran. Iran’s national sovereignty was guaranteed. -
Iranian President of UN General Assembly
Nasrollah Entezam, the first Iranian president of the United Nations General Assembly was elected. -
Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran
Three Soviet armies invaded Iran from the north. -
Nationalization of Oil Industry (Abadan Crisis)
After oil was discovered in the southwest of Iran in late May of 1908, the Anglo - Persian Oil Company (Anglo - Iranian Oil Company from 1935) was formed in London in April 1909. In March 1951, the Majlis voted to nationalize its oil including the AIOC and its holding. Mohammed Mossadeq, a huge contributor to this event soon was elected as the Prime Minister, which later creates the power struggle between Mossadeq and the Shah. This led to the Abadan Crisis where foreign countries refused to tak -
Iranian Coup D'état
Mossaded is overthrown in a coup leaded by the British and American intelligence services. General Fazlollah Zahedi is proclaimed as prime minister and power is brought back to the Shah. -
Establishment of SAVAK
Under the guidance of United STates and Israeli intelligence officers, the National Organization for Intelligence and Security, SAVAK (Sazeman-i Ettelaat va Amniyat-i Keshvar) was formed. Since then it developed into an effective secret agency. -
White Revolution
The Shah embarks on a campaign to modernise and westernise the country. He launches the 'White Revolution', a programme of land reform and social and economic modernisation. Part of the reason for launching the White Revolution was that the Shah hoped to get rid of the landlords' influence and create a new base of support among the peasants and working class. During the late 1960's the Shah became increasingly dependent on the secret police (SAVAK) in controlling those opposition movements criti
