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Mohammed Reza Becomes Shah
Mohammad Reza became Shah during World War II after an Anglo-Soviet invasion forced the abdication of his father, Reza Shah. He officially came to power on September 16, 1941. -
Beginning of Protests
On 7 January 1978, an article "Iran and Red and Black Colonization" appeared in the national daily newspaper. It denounced Khomeini as a "British agent" and a "mad Indian poet".
Religious seminary students, angered over the insult to Khomeini, fought with police in the city of Qom. Seventy were killed and over five hundred were injured according to witnesses. -
Tension Begins Against Shah
Many people in Iran did not agree with their leader, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's, politicial viewpoints. In fact they were extremely opposed to him being leader. Some said he was not religious enough or that he was modernizing Iran without preserving enough of the ancient culture. He was then faced with an army mutiny and violent threats against his rule. -
Bakhtiar the New Prime Minister
Bakhtiar accepted the position only on condition that the shah leave the country. He tried to implement moderate reforms, but, after Khomeini returned to Iran from exile in France on February 1, Bakhtiar quickly lost power. He went into hiding and by April had reached France. In 1991 Bakhtiar was found stabbed to death in his home. -
Shah Flees Iran
Bakhtiar was officially appointed prime minister on this day, January 16, 1979. The same day, the Shah and his family left Iran for exile in Egypt with no plans of returning. When news of the Shah's departure was announced, millions poured onto the streets tearing down every visual sign of the monarchy. -
Khomeini Returns to Iran
Ayatollah Khomeini was an Iranian Shia Muslim, religious leader, and revolutionist who had been arrested by the Shah in 1963. He was called to return to Iran after the Shah left. Upon his return, he was greeted by crowds of millions that had been waiting for his arrival. Khomeini's return and the 10 days following are now celebrated in Iran as the Fajr decade. -
Execution of Shah's Generals
The Tehran court, under Khomeini, passed death sentences on four of the Shah's generals on February 16, 1979. All four were executed by firing squad on the roof of the building housing Ayatollah Khomeini's headquarters. -
Islamic Republic Established
A referendum on creating an Islamic Republic was held in Iran on March 31, 1979. It established a new constitution under Khomeini. -
The Shah Dies
At age 60, Mohammad Reza died from complications of non-hodgkin's lymphoma on 27 July 1980. Egyptian President Sadat gave the Shah a state funeral. -
Aftermath of Revolution
Iran's government system took some time to recover from the overthrowing of the monarchy. The economy and military had completely collapsed. However, Khomeini and his supporters ended up defeating local rebellions and consolidated power. -
