The overthrow of the Shah of Iran was not the beginning of the Iranian Revolution it was the middle.
To the west Iran was known as Persia for most of its existence. It played an invaluable role during WWII in North Africa. The Iranian Railroad linked the Persian Gulf with Russia to facilitate a supply route for Russia's victory over Hitler. But, it didn't come without consequences. The King of Persia, as he was known to the British, was the Shah';s father, Reza Shah. Reza demanded Iran/Persia remain its neutrality with all the powers. He maintained a relationship with Nazi Germany. That didn't go over well with the Allied Powers and Reza Shah was deposed and exiled to South Africa. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was then made king.
King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was a secular Muslim. He carried out The White Revolution which was to create Iran into a global power. He nationalized industries, granted women suffrage, recognized Israel and alienated most if not all the Shia clergy. Eventually, Iranian oil would lose an internal coupe of nationalization and bring back foreign oil firms. Go figure. At any rate, the Shia clergy was not sincerely happy, had the loyalty of the people and overthrew the Shah.
A dear friend was working as a USA military adviser at the time and stated, "When your boss (meaning the Shah) doesn't show up for work, you don't wait to find out why or how and know it is time to leave." Unfortunately, not all Americans saw the opportunity as necessary and what followed was the occupation and hostage taking of the USA embassy.
A dear friend was working as a USA military adviser at the time and stated, "When your boss (meaning the Shah) doesn't show up for work, you don't wait to find out why or how and know it is time to leave." Unfortunately, not all Americans saw the opportunity as necessary and what followed was the occupation and hostage taking of the USA embassy.
In 1969, (click here) the Shah sent one of 73 Apollo 11 Goodwill Messages to NASA for the historic first lunar landing. The message still rests on the lunar surface today. He stated in part, "...we pray the Almighty God to guide mankind towards ever increasing success in the establishment of culture, knowledge and human civilization." The Apollo 11 crew visited the Shah during a world tour.
Shortly after his overthrow, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi wrote an autobiographical memoirRéponse à l'histoire (Answer to History). It was translated from the original French into English, Persian (Pasokh be Tarikh), and other languages. However, by the time of its publication, the Shah had already died. The book is his personal account of his reign and accomplishments, as well as his perspective on issues related to the Iranian Revolution and Western foreign policy toward Iran. The Shah places some of the blame for the wrongdoings of SAVAK and the failures of various democratic and social reforms (particularly through the White Revolution) upon Amir Abbas Hoveyda and his administration....
