History of Iran

Cyrus II - Defeated Medes in Mid 6th century, B.C.

Cambyses - Conquered Egypt

Darius - Conquered Northern India & Ionian Greek Land.

Xerxes - Decline as he fails to conquer Greece

Alexander the Great conquered Persian stronghold of Persepolis. BC 330

Regained independence BC 323

AD 1588 ~ 1629

Persian Shah Abbas I reunited Persia.

By 20th century, Persia diminished to present size.

Early 20th century, British discovered oil in Khuzestan Plain (Mentioned in Geography notecard)

WWI

-During WWI due to government's corruption and Iran's lack of Independence, young army leader Reza Khan led a coup (Becomes Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925)

WWII

-During WWII, Iran was occupied by British & Russians.- Reza Shah Pahlavi abdicates and was succeeded by Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

  -tried to nationalize oil field, but failed.

  -White revolution

    -MRSP implemented sweeping reforms "White Revolution" This included land redistribution, restrictions placed on women.

    -1963

By 1978, Groups of students, intellecuals, and religious leaders strongly opposed to it.

Revolution

In1978~1979, there were strong political discontents.

Shah's secret service, Savak, wiped out all political organizations.

    -Students & intelletuals wanted more political freedom.

    -Muslims thought Shah's policies were against muslims. And they becomes the dominana revolutionary force.

P.10~14, Iran