The Degree of Success of Reza Shah Pahlavi after the 1925 Coup

The Degree of Success of Reza Shah Pahlavi after the 1925 Coup

“A passionate but ruthless nationalist with little formal education,

Reza Khan had a clear vision for Iran’s transition to modernity often

using Ataturk’s Turkey as a model.” - Milani, Mohsen M. The Making of

Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

Iran entered the interwar period in a troubled state. Iran’s economy

was devastated and its current ruler Ahmad Shah seemed to have little

authority over his country as it was in effect governed by the ruling

powers Britain and Russia. However in October 1917 the balance of

power was altered with the victory of the Bolsheviks in Russia,

forcing them to withdraw: “Britain determined to protect its oil

interests and to contain the new threat of Bolshevism, increased

its…role in Iranian Affairs.”[1] Britain thus decided that it needed

more control over Iran’s government and this led to her support of a

military officer, Reza Khan and his associate Sayyid Zia who planned

to stage a bloodless coup and strengthen Iran’s weak central

government. The event took place on February 21, 1921 resulting in

Ahmad Shah being forced to appoint Zia as prime minister and Reza Khan

as Commander of the Cossack Brigade, the only effective army in Iran.

Reza Khan at first portrayed himself as lacking any political ambition

and a man of the people. He suppressed the “centrifugal movements”[2]

in the province gathering support and trust from the people. In 1923

he was appointed Prime minister by Ahmed Shah who then was sent on “a

European vacation”[3] never to return again. Reza Khan now began a

process of centralization that was met with opposition by the

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...olorado 1994

[5] Cleveland, William L. A History of the Modern Middle East.

Westview Press, Colorado. 2000.

[6] Shawcross, William. The Shah’s Last Ride. Chatto & Windus Ltd.,

London. 1989

[7] Cleveland, William L. A History of the Modern Middle East.

Westview Press, Colorado. 2000.

[8] Milani, Mohsen M. The Making of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. From

monarchy to Islamic Republic Westview Press Inc. Colorado 1994

[9]Milani, Mohsen M. The Making of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. From

monarchy to Islamic Republic Westview Press Inc. Colorado 1994

[10] Milani, Mohsen M. The Making of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. From

monarchy to Islamic Republic Westview Press Inc. Colorado 1994

[11] Milani, Mohsen M. The Making of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. From

monarchy to Islamic Republic Westview Press Inc. Colorado 1994