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Lauch of the White Revolution
This revolution was a program of modernization implemented by the shah. It focused on economic and social reforms to rebuild and improve Iran, however they upset many Muslim clergy. This event eventaully led to the shah's loss of power over Iran. The program was very liberal, since it focused on land reform and privatization, gave votes to woman, allowed non-Muslims to hold public office, and launched literacy programs in schools. -
Growing Opposition
Although the Shah's reforms helped the industry grow, it did not improve citizen's lives, and there were a small group of priveledged and wealthy people. The opposition were conservative religious groups that disliked the pro-Western policies and the decreasing role of Islam. There started to be a built up of anti-shah movements. -
Assassination Attempt on Shah Pahlavi
This was the second attempt made on the life of the shah, 3 months after his prime minister had been assassinated.. A soldier shot his way through the Marble Palace but was killed before he reached the shah. This caused the shah to crackdown on rebels and his critics through the use of the National Intelligence and Security Organization (SAVAK). Thousands of dissidents were either killed or arrested and tortured. -
Outbreak of Anti-Shah Riots
There was an increasing resentment of the Shah, since although he continued to improve some aspects of the goverrnment, the citizen's lives were not improved, despite the fact that he lived in extreme luxury. He made unpopular choices, such as replacing the Islamic calender, making memembership to the Rastakhiz political party mandatory, and increasing unemployment. Although he did improve human rights, because of his other actions he lost much popularity, and the people started to revolt. -
Shah and his family are forced into exile
In 1978, there were several major public demonstrations against the Shah. With every class and different sectors of Iranian society all criticizing the regime, the country was continuously halted by strikes. Finally on January 16 1979, a weakend and ill Shah left for France in exile along with his family. The Ayatollah Khomeni returned and later on April 1 1979, Iran became an Islamic republic with the Ayatollah as supreme leader.
