Iranian History Quiz: Reza Shah to Modern Iran

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary goal of Reza Shah Pahlavi's reforms in Iran?

To strengthen traditional religious institutions

To foster stronger ties with Arab nations

To implement rapid Westernization and state building (correct)

To establish a democratic government

Which event led to Reza Shah's abdication?

The nationalization of the oil industry

The White Revolution

A coup supported by the U.S. and UK

A joint invasion by the UK and Russia (correct)

What action taken by Mohammad Mosaddeq led to his removal from power?

He allied with the Marxist Tudeh Party.

He launched the White Revolution to modernize Iran.

He nationalized the oil industry. (correct)

He established the SAVAK secret police.

What was the main concern of the United States in Iran during the early 1950s?

Iran becoming communist Signup and view all the answers

What was Operation Ajax?

A U.S. and UK backed overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mosaddeq Signup and view all the answers

Which of these was NOT a result of Reza Shah Pahlavi's rule?

Increased democratization and freedom of the press Signup and view all the answers

What was a distinguishing feature of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's White Revolution?

Rapid modernization and westernization of Iran Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the SAVAK in pre-revolution Iran?

It was the secret police created by the Shah to consolidate power Signup and view all the answers

Which historical period is increasingly emphasized in Iranian nationalism due to declining legitimacy of the Islamic regime?

The Achaemenid Empire Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor contributing to tensions surrounding the Azeri population in Iran?

Their connection to the independent nation of Azerbaijan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the current state of Kurdish activism in Iran, according to the text?

They have a history of both armed revolt as well as peaceful and violent activism Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of Iran's highly centralized system

It fails to provide sufficient local autonomy leading to increased tensions Signup and view all the answers

Which religious group within Iran faces particular discrimination in addition to ethnic bias?

Sunni Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Quietists' refer to in the context of Iranian politics?

Individuals who support a reduction in the role of religion in state affairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of Persians in the Iranian population according to the provided text?

61% Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, which of the following groups in Iran are more organized and better armed because of changes in neighboring Syria and Iraq?

Kurds Signup and view all the answers

Which group within Iranian politics is MOST likely to advocate for a nationalist economy and be wary of Western influences?

Principalists Signup and view all the answers

According to the information presented, what percentage of Iranians believe religious figures should have a substantial role in political affairs?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided poll data, which of the following statements BEST reflects Iranian views of the American people?

The majority hold a somewhat favorable view. Signup and view all the answers

Which political faction in Iran is known for supporting economic liberalization?

Reformers/Quietists Signup and view all the answers

In the May 2015 poll on coexistence, what percentage of Iranians believed there was potential for common ground between Islamic and Western traditions?

55% Signup and view all the answers

Based on the poll results, what is the overall sentiment towards the U.S. government in Iran?

Highly unfavorable Signup and view all the answers

Which group within Iran is MOST associated with opposing democratization and supporting velayat-e faqih?

Principalists Signup and view all the answers

According to the polls, how did the perception of conflict inevitability vs. common ground for coexistence change between July 2014 and May 2015?

Belief in conflict increased and belief in common ground decreased. Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly led to a significant decrease in the number of reformists in the Majlis?

The banning of Khordad candidates by the Guardian Council. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency?

A populist approach with public programs for the poor and confrontation with the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary claim made by the government following the 2009 election?

Ahmadinejad won over 60 percent of the vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the 2013 presidential election?

Hassan Rouhani won despite most expectations and the Guardian Council weeding out most moderate candidates. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hassan Rouhani's presidency differ from Ahmadinejad's in terms of international relations?

Rouhani was more willing to engage with the U.S. and step away from the anti-Israel stance. Signup and view all the answers

What major achievement is associated with the Rouhani presidency in 2015?

The negotiation of the JCPOA nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions Signup and view all the answers

Which groups supported Ahmadinejad's presidential run in 2005?

The poor, conservative voters, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Basij. Signup and view all the answers

What was an effect of the 'Green Wave' demonstrations following the 2009 election?

They damaged Ahmadinejad politically, despite his reelection. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided data, in which of the following months did the highest percentage of people believe that conflict was inevitable?

January 2018 Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the rapid societal changes during Iran's industrialization?

A conservative (religious) backlash. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does oil money generally affect political corruption?

It increases political corruption. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of women in an oil-dominated economy, according to the content?

They are mostly employed in the private sector. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bonyads in the Iranian economic structure, as presented in the text?

To help the disadvantaged and increase state assets. Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended goal of economic nationalization in Iran after the revolution?

To promote economic independence and sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major consequence of U.S.-led international sanctions on Iran?

Difficulty selling oil in the international markets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general economic performance of Iran since the 1979 revolution?

Generally very poor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a core tenet of fundamentalism, as described in the context of Islamism?

The belief that faith should be the sovereign authority and legally enforced. Signup and view all the answers

Which language has linguistic roots closer to English than the primary language of Iran?

Arabic Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Shiism that distinguishes it from the majority of Islam?

Belief in the rightful leadership of the Islamic community residing in the family and bloodline of the prophet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following countries does not share a border with Iran?

Iraq Signup and view all the answers

What significant demographic feature of Iran is highlighted as a potential threat to the current government?

The youthful population that participated in the contested 2009 presidential election protests. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical empire is presented as a symbol of Iranian might and resonates with Iranians today?

The Achaemenid Empire Signup and view all the answers

During which dynasty did Iran adopt Shiism as its official religion?

The Safavids Dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What is the religious significance of Ashura in Shia Islam?

It commemorates the death of Hussein. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Revolution during the Qajar dynasty?

To limit the powers of the Qajar Monarchy and establish an elected assembly. Signup and view all the answers

How did Reza Khan come to power in Iran?

Through a military coup in 1921. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Why Study This Case?

Associated with the idea of Islamism or Islamic fundamentalism
Fundamentalism views religion as absolute and inerrant, insisting on legal enforcement.
Revolution from authoritarianism to theocracy (1979)
Rules and laws directly derived from the Koran (Islam's main holy book)
Not typical of Islamic politics or Middle Eastern politics.
The main language of Iran is Farsi.
Language is similar to other English and European languages.
Shiism is a minority form of Islam, disagreeing with mainstream Islam on religious succession.

Major Geographic and Demographic Features

Neighbouring countries include Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of the former Soviet Union.
Population of approximately 80 million.
Younger population compared to Europe and North America.
Population is diverse: 60% are Persian, 20% are Azeri; other ethnic groups include Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis.
Iran possesses the world's fourth largest oil reserves.

Historical Development of the State

Key empires include: Achaemenid Empire (wealthy, sophisticated, relatively tolerant society).
Cultural and political tolerance within the Persian empire; major symbol of Iranian pride.
Persia's conversion to Islam in the 7th century under the Umayyad Dynasty influenced by military conquest.
Dynastic rule and the adoption of Shiism.

Crisis Reemerges Under Reza Shah's Rule

Modernization came at the cost of democratization, suppression of democratic institutions and journalists.
Political opponents faced imprisonment, exile, or execution.
Religious leaders also faced repression.
Involvement in World War II.
Forced abdication of Reza Shah in 1941 in favour of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

The Nationalist Challenge under Mosaddeq

Republicanism and religious activity emerged.
Political party (National Front) opposed monarchy and favoured greater Iranian control over natural resources by nationalizing oil.
Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq nationalized Iran's oil industry.
Overthrow of Mosaddeq in 1953 (Operation Ajax) led to his imprisonment and subsequent death, largely driven and supported by the United States and United Kingdom.

Authoritarianism and Modernization During the White Revolution

Reform efforts implemented by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi starting in 1963, aimed at modernizing the country.
Reforms included land reform, privatization of state-owned industries, literacy campaigns, and women's rights.

Conservative Resistance to the White Revolution

Religious leaders opposed many reforms and resulted in violent protests.
Rise of Ayatollah Khomeini who criticized the government from abroad and became a key figure in the opposition.
Economic inequality and insecurity fueled the growing opposition.
Tensions between the Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini, and US. (1977-78)
US President Carter criticized the shah's repressive practices.
Khomeini called for an Islamic theocracy led by religious leaders.

The Iranian Revolution

Public protests began in 1978, primarily triggered by a fire at the Cinema Rex (blamed on the government).
Martial law declaration further escalating tensions.
The shah exiled Khomeini, prompting further public protests and growing support for a theocracy.
Defection of military units to the revolution.
Shah's departure and establishment of a provisional government.
Khomeini's return and taking power.

The Islamic Republic's Violent Birth

The new government repressed opposition violently, carrying out executions in the name of “revolutionary justice.”
Seizure of the US embassy by student radicals (hostage crisis) created further international tension.
Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988.

Major Political Features of Iran

Semi-presidential theocracy
Unicameral Legislature (Majlis)
Unitary system of government.
Electoral system (single & multi-member districts within provinces)
The Supreme Court as the chief judicial body.

The Constitution

Product of the 1979 revolution (revised in 1989)
God as sovereign over Iran
Law based on Islamic principles (Sharia)
Republican elements alongside theocracy.
Continuing tensions between republicanism and theocracy.

The Supreme Leader

Spiritual and political leader (chief cleric)
Powerful position in state affairs.
Lifetime appointment.
Controls the Guardian Council and armed forces.

The President

Elected position
Head of government
Limited power, in theory, in relation to the Supreme Leader.
Can draft budgets, initiate legislation and select cabinet.

The Legislature (Majlis)

Directly elected members (290 members) for four-year terms.
Representation for minority groups.
Initiate and pass legislation; oversee the budget; and approve cabinet members.
Can remove cabinet members, but not President or Supreme Leader.

Limitations on the Majlis' Power

Laws cannot contradict “divine law”
Guardian Council and the Expediency Council can overturn legislation.

The Judiciary

Legal system based on religious law (Sharia)
Clerics serve as judges
Supreme Leader appoints the chief justice, who manages judicial institutions.
Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal.

Iran's Dysfunctional Judiciary

Considerable independence of judges, leading to inconsistent interpretations of the law.
Revolutionary courts established after revolution to deal with political issues.
Iran has a significant number of executions, exceeding most nations.

Electoral System

Direct elections for Majlis, Assembly of Experts, and presidency.
Voter turnout is decreasing
Guardian Council vets candidates and controls elections.

The Offices and Their Election Rules

Majlis (290 members), with single and multi-member districts.

Local Government

Divided into 31 provinces.
Rejected devolution after 1979 revolution, favoring centralization
Created local councils, with members directly elected by voters in certain reforms.
2021 elections experienced low turnout.

Other Institutions: The Revolutionary Guard, Quds, and the Basij

Paramilitary force defending the regime.
Significant influence in domestic and international affairs.
Independent of Iran's armed forces.
Competing political and economic interests.
Basij is a "people's militia", partly under the authority of the Revolutionary Guard.

Political Conflict and Competition

Political differences do not neatly fit familiar categories.
No institutionalized political parties exist.
Dominated by loosely organized groups.
Continuous struggle for power, often between competing elites within the system.

How the Government Shaped the Party System

Increased suppression of opposition and parties after the revolution.
Banning of parties and suppression of groups other than the dominant Islamic Republican party.
Fear of civil society and opposition.

Challenges of Political Reform

Debate restricted to economic concerns, after 1987.
Rise of reformers, like former president Mohammad Khatami (1997-2000).
Creation of the Second Khordad Front.

The Ahmadinejad Presidency

Popular appeal in the 2005 elections.
Emphasis on public programs, particularly for the poor.
Confrontational stance against foreign powers, focusing on the U.S.
Development of a nuclear technology program.

The 2009 Election and the "Green Wave"

contested election, with significant protests after allegations of fraud.
Harsh crackdown by the government.

Rouhani's Surprising Victory in 2013

Unexpected victory, not allied with the Supreme Leader.
Candidate supported by the Guardian Council and the supreme leader.

Successes and Failures of the Rouhani Presidency

Improved relations with the US (JCPOA)
Lifted sanctions
Re-election.
Difficulties in maintaining reforms after 2017.

Civil Society

Rise of civil society during periods of weak government
Crackdowns as government's control increases.

The Government Attacks Civil Society

Crack down on media, NGOs, and activists.
Increased suppression following 2009 & 2013 elections.

Iran's Unique National Identity

Distinct from other middle eastern countries (majority Shia; majority ethnically Iranian)
National identity often expressed through historic tensions with other groups.
Emphasis on pre-Islamic identity (historically shaped, not simply Islamic).
Holidays, practices and symbols of ancient empires (Achaemenid and Zoroastrian).

Iran's Ethnic Diversity

Several minorities exist, with ties to neighbouring countries
Notable groups: Azeris, Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis.
Tensions linked with regional and national identities and sometimes independent political demands.

Ethnic Groups and Religions

Pie charts show ethnic distribution and religions in Iran (99.4% Muslim, primarily Shia)
Majority ethnic group (Persians)

Political Centralization and Ethnic Conflicts

Centralized system might foster tensions
Non-Persian groups facing discrimination.

Ideology and Political Culture

Major divisions over the role of religion in the state.
No formally organized political parties exist
Dominant groups vie for positions within the regime.
Divisions between quietist (reform) and principalist (conservative) ideologies.

Divisions Over the Economy

Divisions over the state and the market (which align with quietist/reformist views)
Skepticism from conservatives towards economic liberalization and relations with the international community.
Iranian's views on the US (often negative or strongly unfavorable).

Sanctions and Coexistence

Iran's approach to international conflict and coexistence.
Public sentiment regarding conflict with the West.

Current Issues in Iran

Nuclear energy and weapons programs (enrichment of uranium)
JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or Iran nuclear deal)
Public perception of the JCPOA
Economic and foreign policies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key events and figures in Iranian history, focusing on the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi and the subsequent political developments. From reforms and abdications to the rise of nationalism and ethnic tensions, this quiz covers important aspects of Iran's past and its impact on today's society.