Rough Draft #2Subham Patel - Completed Hawk Talk
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Patel 1
Subham Patel
Noonan
World History
14 April 2023
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a seminal moment in modern Iranian history. The revolution was a
result of a widespread popular uprising that challenged the rule of the monarchy and demanded greater
representation and rights for the people of Iran. The events of the revolution were dramatic and transformative,
leaving a lasting impact on the country and its people. It marked a significant shift in the political, economic,
and social structures of the country, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran and paving the
way for a new era of Iranian history.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked a significant shift in the political structures of Iran. The
overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic republic were the outcome of the popular
uprising led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The revolution had its roots in Iran's long history, social tensions,
foreign intervention, and economic difficulty, as well as the traditional, conservative society becoming modern,
urban, and industrial in a short period of time. The Shah, who had established the monarchy in 1921 with the
help of the UK and later dismissed parliament and launched the White Revolution (modernization program),
was ousted by the armed forces after a cycle of escalating violence, demonstrations, martial law, and Black
Friday. The revolution saw an eclectic alliance of secular and religious factions coalescing around Khomeini,
who used religious rhetoric to rally Iranians, and it had a destabilizing effect on neighboring countries with Shi’i
populations. The Islamic Republic, established on April 1, 1979, suppressed Western cultural influence, leading
many Western-educated elites to flee the country. The Iranian Revolution had a huge impact on the Islamic
world and was the beginning of a strained future relationship with the US.
In addition to political changes, the Iranian Revolution also had a significant impact on the country's
economic structures. Under the Shah's rule, the country experienced a rapid modernization program and
significant economic growth, but it was accompanied by vast income inequality and corruption. The White
Revolution aimed to redistribute land and wealth, but it failed to address the underlying economic problems.
Patel 2
The revolution of 1979 brought an end to the Shah's pro-Western policies and resulted in the nationalization of
key industries, including oil, which had previously been under foreign control. However, the subsequent
economic policies of the new regime, including the Islamic economy, the prioritization of self-sufficiency, and
the suppression of entrepreneurship, have led to economic stagnation and isolation. Moreover, international
sanctions have further hampered the Iranian economy and its potential for growth. As a result, Iran's economic
trajectory has been tumultuous, marked by periods of growth and decline, with the population facing inflation,
unemployment, and poverty. The economic changes brought about by the revolution have had a profound
impact on the lives of ordinary Iranians and have been a central issue in Iranian politics and society.
The Iranian Revolution also had a significant impact on the country's social structures. The
revolution represented a major shift in Iran's cultural identity, as traditional values clashed with modernization
and Westernization. The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran brought about a strict enforcement of
Islamic laws and customs, leading to the imposition of dress codes, restrictions on women's rights, and
censorship of media and artistic expression. The new regime's emphasis on Islamic values and rejection of
Western influence led to a polarization of Iranian society, with those who supported the revolution and its ideals
on one side, and those who opposed them on the other. The suppression of dissent and the targeting of minority
groups, including the Baha'i and Kurdish communities, have further exacerbated these tensions. Despite the
challenges, the revolution also provided an opportunity for women and marginalized groups to become more
politically active and empowered, leading to the creation of new avenues for civic engagement and social
progress. Overall, the social changes brought about by the revolution have been complex and continue to shape
Iranian society and culture to this day.
In conclusion, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a defining moment in Iranian history which had a
lasting impact on the country and its people. Through the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a
new government, the revolution established a new era of Iranian history, one characterized by greater
representation and rights for the people of Iran. As a result of the revolution, the country was able to enter a
period of growth and development, ultimately ensuring a bright future for generations to come.
Patel 3
Works Cited
"Iranian Revolution." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 20 Jan. 2021.
school.eb.com/levels/high/article/Iranian-Revolution/476048. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.
"The Iranian Revolution, 1978-1979." Historic World Events, Gale, 2012. Gale In Context: High School,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/BT2359070327/SUIC?u=jps&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=789a5d3b. Accessed
29 Jan. 2023.
"Iranian Revolution." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, edited by William A. Darity, Jr.,
2nd ed., vol. 4, Macmillan Reference USA, 2008, pp. 143-145. Gale In Context: High School,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3045301188/SUIC?u=jps&sid=bookmark-SUIC&xid=62419e6a. Accessed
29 Jan. 2023.
Terry, Janice J. “Iranian Revolution.” Encyclopedia of the Contemporary World (1950 to Present), Facts
On File, 2016. History Research Center, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?
aid=&itemid=&articleId=244254. Accessed 29 Jan. 2023.
Whitehead, Kim. “Chapter 3: The Iranian Revolution.” Islamic Fundamentalism (1-59084-703-2),
Mason Crest Publishers, 2003, pp. 10–15. EBSCOhost, https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=pwh&AN=12193821&site=ehost-live.
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