Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi: Biography, History, & White Revolution

Early Life

Became Shah of Iran on September 16, 1941, after the Soviet Union and Great Britain occupied Iran and forced Reza Shah into exile.

White Revolution (1960-1963):
- Aimed at modernization and economic development.
- Expanded transportation networks.
- Implemented dam and irrigation projects.
- Focused on disease eradication and literacy improvement.
- Promoted industrial growth and land reform.
Maintained pro-Western foreign policy.
Developed working relationships with the Soviet Union and Eastern European nations in the 1960s and 70s.

Challenges:
- Faced criticism for autocratic rule, government corruption, and forced Westernization.
- SAVAK (secret police) suppressed dissent.
- Unequal distribution of oil wealth.
Iranian Revolution (1978-1979):
- Widespread dissatisfaction among lower classes, Shii clergy, bazaar merchants, and students.
- Support for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini grew.
- Rioting and turmoil led to Khomeini's rise to power.
- Shah left Iran on January 16, 1979.
- Khomeini declared an Islamic republic on April 1, 1979.
Exile:
- Traveled to Egypt, Morocco, The Bahamas, Mexico, and finally the United States for medical treatment.
- Iranian militants seized the U.S. embassy, taking hostages and demanding the Shah's extradition.
- Denied extradition, he later moved to Panama and then Cairo, where he was granted asylum by President Anwar Sadat.

Had two marriages that ended in divorce due to a lack of a male heir.
Married Farah Diba in October 1960, who gave birth to his son and crown prince, Reza.

Implemented significant reforms but faced immense political and religious opposition.
His era ended with the Iranian Revolution and the establishment of an Islamic republic under Khomeini.