History of the Constitutional Revolution in Iran

Introduction

• Terminology: "Persia" and "Iran" are used interchangeably.

  • Persia is the term used by many Europeans.
  • Iran is the term used by natives.
  • The name "Iran" is not a new term, contrary to some misconceptions.

• Importance of the Constitutional Revolution:

  • The Constitutional Revolution of 1906 marks the birth of the modern Iranian state.
  • It has shaped political discourse for over a century.
  • Current protests relate back to aspirations initiated during this period.
  • Many Iranians believe that the promises of the 1906 Constitution remain unfulfilled.

Historical Context

• British-Iranian Relations:

  • Close, sometimes problematic interactions shaped the revolution.
  • British officials were approached by Iranian clerics seeking assistance against the monarchy.

• Initial Events of 1906:

  • In July 1906, clerics approached British official Grant Duff for sanctuary in the British Embassy.
  • About 14,000 Iranians encamped in the British Embassy compound seeking support for their demands.

Background Factors Leading to the Revolution

• Historical Engagement with the West:

  • Iran had a long history of engagement with Western ideas, particularly from Britain.
  • British influence included political ideas and soft power; they presented themselves as models of modernity.

• Cultural Exchange:

  • Persian diplomats traveled to Britain and engaged with Enlightenment ideas.
  • Freemasonry became a means for Iranian intellectuals to connect with Western ideas of governance.

• Economic Factors:

  • Economic concessions and foreign investments led to rising discontent against the monarchy.
  • Tobacco Revolt (1891-1892): A significant mobilization against foreign concessions, particularly a tobacco monopoly.

Timeline Leading to the Revolution

• Political Awakening (1891-1905):

  • Assassination of the Shah in 1896 was largely ignored; his successor was even less engaged.
  • Economic struggles intensified, leading to public protests and demands.

• Rebellions and Reforms (1906):

  • Clerics led protests demanding a ‘house of justice’.
  • The Shah’s eventual response was insufficient, leading to escalating tensions.

The Constitutional Revolution (1906)

• Key Events:

  • British Embassy shelter became a center for organizing revolutionary demands.
  • The Shah ultimately approved the constitution amid political chaos.

• Political Landscape Transformation:

  • The 1906 constitution established a parliamentary system with some limitations on the monarch's powers.
  • It asserted that sovereignty lies with the people, though implementation faced challenges.

Challenges and Consequences

• Political Instability:

  • The new parliament was dominated by elites and struggled to address the needs of the broader population.
  • Political factions emerged, and the revolutionaries could not sustain momentum.

• Role of Foreign Powers:

  • The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 divided Iran into spheres of influence, impacting the revolution's success.
  • British decisions undermined support for constitutionalists, leading to disillusionment.

Legacy of the Constitutional Revolution

• Cultural Impact:

  • Established a foundation for modern political thought in Iran.
  • Ideas of rights, governance, and national identity began to take root.

• Unfulfilled Promises:

  • Although the revolution initiated significant discourse on rights and governance, actual implementation was inconsistent.
  • Subsequent regimes, including the Pahlavi Dynasty, drew from the revolution’s framework but often failed to fulfill its ideals.

Conclusion

• Enduring Significance:

  • The Constitutional Revolution remains a vital reference point for contemporary struggles for rights and governance in Iran.
  • Current movements echo ideas rooted in the revolution.

• Final Thoughts:

  • The relationship with the British, while complex, played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s political landscape.
  • Edward Brown, an important figure in this history, is still honored in Iran for his support of the constitutional movement.