Iran's Political Timeline
1921- Colonel Reza Khan's Military Coup
In contrast to its name, the military coup was relatively bloodless. Thu ruling dynasty (Qajar) was corrupt and incompetent - often relying on foreign nations like Britain and Russia for military and economic support. Persia's occupation by the British, Russian and Ottoman occupation during WWI weakened the regime's legitimacy. The legitimacy was further compromised when civilians (Bakhtiaris tribemen) rebelled the advancing Russian army from the capital of Teheran rather than the state's regular army.The state has often been subject to civil wars and the regime's only regular army was the Cossack Brigade.
Ironically it was a officer in the Cossack Brigade who decided to support a planned coup, whose name now graces the title of the coup. The only casualty was a couple of policemen and civilians(who only started a minor local up-rise when there was a switch of Prime ministers). The British supported the coup.
FINAL LINE; Due to the low capacity and low autonomy of the regime, a coup occurred with little to no opposition.
In contrast to its name, the military coup was relatively bloodless. Thu ruling dynasty (Qajar) was corrupt and incompetent - often relying on foreign nations like Britain and Russia for military and economic support. Persia's occupation by the British, Russian and Ottoman occupation during WWI weakened the regime's legitimacy. The legitimacy was further compromised when civilians (Bakhtiaris tribemen) rebelled the advancing Russian army from the capital of Teheran rather than the state's regular army.The state has often been subject to civil wars and the regime's only regular army was the Cossack Brigade.
Ironically it was a officer in the Cossack Brigade who decided to support a planned coup, whose name now graces the title of the coup. The only casualty was a couple of policemen and civilians(who only started a minor local up-rise when there was a switch of Prime ministers). The British supported the coup.
FINAL LINE; Due to the low capacity and low autonomy of the regime, a coup occurred with little to no opposition.
1925 - Establishment of Pahlavi dynasty
Reza Shah was declared new emperor, and now named Reza Khan. It was then when Persia reverted to the ancient name of Iran.He wanted to modernize Iran and sent hundreds of Iranians overseas to learn and focused heavily on education and development projects. He emphasized the development of large industry, major infrastructure, public education, reforming the judiciary system, and improving healthcare. Reza's policies were very secular and annoyed the clergy. He avoided involvement with Britain and Russia and preferred to acquire technical assistance from the Germany, France, Italy, and other European nations.
Reza Shah was declared new emperor, and now named Reza Khan. It was then when Persia reverted to the ancient name of Iran.He wanted to modernize Iran and sent hundreds of Iranians overseas to learn and focused heavily on education and development projects. He emphasized the development of large industry, major infrastructure, public education, reforming the judiciary system, and improving healthcare. Reza's policies were very secular and annoyed the clergy. He avoided involvement with Britain and Russia and preferred to acquire technical assistance from the Germany, France, Italy, and other European nations.
1941-1945 - Allied Occupation of Iran
As Britain technically owned all the oil in Iran, while all the technicians were German, Britain threatened the Shah to expel all Germans. Due to Iran's neutral status, the shah naturally refused. Britain and Russia invaded, exiled the shah but allowed his son to ascend to power.
The occupiers promised to withdraw all troops within 6 months of the war's end. Russia installed communist sentiments in the north, causing problems for the Iranian government. When the Iranian government headed up North to quell the civil unrest, the Soviet army stopped them and allowed the north to separate into Azerbaijan.
As Britain technically owned all the oil in Iran, while all the technicians were German, Britain threatened the Shah to expel all Germans. Due to Iran's neutral status, the shah naturally refused. Britain and Russia invaded, exiled the shah but allowed his son to ascend to power.
The occupiers promised to withdraw all troops within 6 months of the war's end. Russia installed communist sentiments in the north, causing problems for the Iranian government. When the Iranian government headed up North to quell the civil unrest, the Soviet army stopped them and allowed the north to separate into Azerbaijan.
1951 - Nationalization of the Oil industry
Negotiations with British oil companies failed to progress and Iran nationalized the oil industry. All British technicians withdrew causing oil production to plummet. Britain froze Iran's assets and implemented a world-wide embargo and challenged Iran in the International Court of Justice. Iran won. Britain ignored the verdict.
Negotiations with British oil companies failed to progress and Iran nationalized the oil industry. All British technicians withdrew causing oil production to plummet. Britain froze Iran's assets and implemented a world-wide embargo and challenged Iran in the International Court of Justice. Iran won. Britain ignored the verdict.
1953 - Coup against Mosaddeq
Under US pressure, Britain lower their demands but Iran, under Prime Minister Mosaddeq, rejected all of them. Mosaddeq gained power and reduced the term lengths of the Senate and dissolved the lower house - where his support has been dwindling. The CIA worked together with the shah to limit Mosaddeq's power. The shah replaced Mosaddeq with Zahedi as Prime Minister. Mosaddeq refused to step down. The shah led the nation, Zahedi went into hiding. Pro-shah armies and - interestingly enough - STREET CROWDS defeated Mosaddeq forces, allowing the shah to return to power. Mosaddeq was sentenced to 3 years of prison for trying to overthrow the monarchy.
Under US pressure, Britain lower their demands but Iran, under Prime Minister Mosaddeq, rejected all of them. Mosaddeq gained power and reduced the term lengths of the Senate and dissolved the lower house - where his support has been dwindling. The CIA worked together with the shah to limit Mosaddeq's power. The shah replaced Mosaddeq with Zahedi as Prime Minister. Mosaddeq refused to step down. The shah led the nation, Zahedi went into hiding. Pro-shah armies and - interestingly enough - STREET CROWDS defeated Mosaddeq forces, allowing the shah to return to power. Mosaddeq was sentenced to 3 years of prison for trying to overthrow the monarchy.
1963 - White Revolution
Mohammed Reza Shah's version of the Great Leap Forwards that was actually reasonably and pro-education.
1) Land Reform Programs and Abolishing "feudalism" - government bought land rom landowners and sold it to the poor at very low rates.
2) Nationalization of Forests and Pasturelands
3) Privatization of the Government Owned Enterprises
4) Profit Sharing (for industrial workers)
5) Extending the Right to Vote to Women
6) Formation of Literacy Corps (to fight illiteracy)
7) Formation of Health Corps
8) Formation of Reconstruction and Development Corps
9) Formation of Houses of Equity
10) Nationalization of all Water Resources
11) Urban and Rural Modernization and Reconstruction
12)Didactic Reforms
13) Worker's Right to Own Shares in the Industrial Complexes
14) Price Stabilization
15) Free and Compulsory Education
Though it did technically work, it helped the two classes that hated the king grow.
Mohammed Reza Shah's version of the Great Leap Forwards that was actually reasonably and pro-education.
1) Land Reform Programs and Abolishing "feudalism" - government bought land rom landowners and sold it to the poor at very low rates.
2) Nationalization of Forests and Pasturelands
3) Privatization of the Government Owned Enterprises
4) Profit Sharing (for industrial workers)
5) Extending the Right to Vote to Women
6) Formation of Literacy Corps (to fight illiteracy)
7) Formation of Health Corps
8) Formation of Reconstruction and Development Corps
9) Formation of Houses of Equity
10) Nationalization of all Water Resources
11) Urban and Rural Modernization and Reconstruction
12)Didactic Reforms
13) Worker's Right to Own Shares in the Industrial Complexes
14) Price Stabilization
15) Free and Compulsory Education
Though it did technically work, it helped the two classes that hated the king grow.
1975 - Establishment of the Resurgence Party
The Rastakhiz Party was intended to be the single party in Iran. There were compulsory membership and dues and general interference with political, economic, and religious lives of the people. It antagonized the bazaari (the merchants), basically meaning that they antagonized the people who could actually pay taxes.
The Rastakhiz Party was intended to be the single party in Iran. There were compulsory membership and dues and general interference with political, economic, and religious lives of the people. It antagonized the bazaari (the merchants), basically meaning that they antagonized the people who could actually pay taxes.
1979 - Iranian Revolution/Islamic Revolution
From January 1978 to February 1979, a series of protests and rebellions against the Pahlavi dynasty under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi led by Grand Ayatollah (a title) Ruhollah Khomeini (the name) overthrow the government and replace it with an Islamic Republic. Pahlavi was forced to leave Iran before they took full control of the country. He died of cancer a year later.
From January 1978 to February 1979, a series of protests and rebellions against the Pahlavi dynasty under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi led by Grand Ayatollah (a title) Ruhollah Khomeini (the name) overthrow the government and replace it with an Islamic Republic. Pahlavi was forced to leave Iran before they took full control of the country. He died of cancer a year later.
1979 - 1981 US hostage crisis
From November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, 52 Americans in US embassy were captured and were held as hostages by Iranian Revolution supporters. The Iranians demanded the United States to return Shah Pahlavi, who was exiled to US for cancer treatments, but President Carter refuse to "yield to black mail". A rescue mission was attempted result in failure on April 24, 1980. Later, the death of former Shah and invasion of Iraq forced Iran into negotiation. The hostages were released soon after the new President of US, Ronald Reagan was sworn to office.
From November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, 52 Americans in US embassy were captured and were held as hostages by Iranian Revolution supporters. The Iranians demanded the United States to return Shah Pahlavi, who was exiled to US for cancer treatments, but President Carter refuse to "yield to black mail". A rescue mission was attempted result in failure on April 24, 1980. Later, the death of former Shah and invasion of Iraq forced Iran into negotiation. The hostages were released soon after the new President of US, Ronald Reagan was sworn to office.
1979 - Referendum on the constitution
In march, 1979, a referendum was held to decide the future of Iran. The referendum asked: "Islamic Republic Yes or No?" Most of the population voted yes, giving authority the power to draft a new constitution for Iran in order to replace the 1906 constitution.
In march, 1979, a referendum was held to decide the future of Iran. The referendum asked: "Islamic Republic Yes or No?" Most of the population voted yes, giving authority the power to draft a new constitution for Iran in order to replace the 1906 constitution.
1980 - Bani-Sadr elected president, Elections for first Islamic Majles
On January 28, 1980, Bani Sadr was elected the first President of the Islamic Republic. However, he left hi office only a year later after the Supreme leader Khomeini regained his power. The first Majles, also known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly / Iranian Parliament/ People's House, was first elected in 1980 to replace the old National Consultative Assembly of Imperial period.
On January 28, 1980, Bani Sadr was elected the first President of the Islamic Republic. However, he left hi office only a year later after the Supreme leader Khomeini regained his power. The first Majles, also known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly / Iranian Parliament/ People's House, was first elected in 1980 to replace the old National Consultative Assembly of Imperial period.
1980-1988 - War with Iraq
The Iran-Iraq war, also known as the first Persian Gulf War, was a war lasted from September 1980 to August 1988 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Iraq. Iraq was hoping to take advantage of the chaos created by the revolution and replace Iran as a major power in the region. The war ended with a ceasefire carried out by the United Nation and was accepted by both sides. This war costed hundred thousands of lives of soldiers and civilians from both sides and huge economic losses, though the borders between them remained the same to the one before the war.
The Iran-Iraq war, also known as the first Persian Gulf War, was a war lasted from September 1980 to August 1988 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Iraq. Iraq was hoping to take advantage of the chaos created by the revolution and replace Iran as a major power in the region. The war ended with a ceasefire carried out by the United Nation and was accepted by both sides. This war costed hundred thousands of lives of soldiers and civilians from both sides and huge economic losses, though the borders between them remained the same to the one before the war.
1981 - President Bani-Sadr ousted and Khamenei elected president
On June 22nd, President Ayatollah Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was dismissed by Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini as the president of Iran, and Iran’s top prosecutor ordered the arrest on Bani-Sadr. Luckily, he went into hiding 12 days ago, thus escaped from the arrest, and then smuggled onto a flight to outside of Iran. According to an opposition source from France said, “Don’t worry, he is well out of reach from the enemies,” which appears that Bani-Sadr has escaped to France. According to Pittsburgh Press, the impeachment ordered on Bani-Sadr came to a voting of 177-1, with 12 abstentions on the 21st.
The impeachment led to a bloody and chaotic battle between Bani-Sadr supporters and the government guards, with 32 dead and more than 300 injured.
In October of 1981, the Iranian presidential election was held due to the assassination of President Mohammad-Ali Rajai, the 2nd President of Iran who was elected and in office on August 2nd of the same year.
During the election, Ali Khamenei from the Iranian Republican Party won 93% of the votes, which is a landslide victory against the independent politician Ali-Akbar Parvaresh, who won only 2.02% of the votes.
Also according to the Princeton’s Iran Data Portal that three days before the election season, another nominee from the Combatant Clergy Association, Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi-Kani, quit the election in favor of Khamenei.
On June 22nd, President Ayatollah Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was dismissed by Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini as the president of Iran, and Iran’s top prosecutor ordered the arrest on Bani-Sadr. Luckily, he went into hiding 12 days ago, thus escaped from the arrest, and then smuggled onto a flight to outside of Iran. According to an opposition source from France said, “Don’t worry, he is well out of reach from the enemies,” which appears that Bani-Sadr has escaped to France. According to Pittsburgh Press, the impeachment ordered on Bani-Sadr came to a voting of 177-1, with 12 abstentions on the 21st.
The impeachment led to a bloody and chaotic battle between Bani-Sadr supporters and the government guards, with 32 dead and more than 300 injured.
In October of 1981, the Iranian presidential election was held due to the assassination of President Mohammad-Ali Rajai, the 2nd President of Iran who was elected and in office on August 2nd of the same year.
During the election, Ali Khamenei from the Iranian Republican Party won 93% of the votes, which is a landslide victory against the independent politician Ali-Akbar Parvaresh, who won only 2.02% of the votes.
Also according to the Princeton’s Iran Data Portal that three days before the election season, another nominee from the Combatant Clergy Association, Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi-Kani, quit the election in favor of Khamenei.
1984, 1988,1989, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004
Second Islamic Majiles, Third Islamic Majiles, Khomeini dies - Khamenei appointed leader - Rafsanjani elected president, Fourth Islamic Majiles, Fifth Islamic Majiles, Khatami elected president, Sixth Islamic Majiles, Khatami reelected, Seventh Islamic Majiles
During the election for the Second Islamic Majles in 1984, 1592 candidates have registered to run election, and 1231 were allowed to run, which was 77.32% of the total candidates. Also in this election, the Guardian Council, who has the right and power to suspend elections, has suspended the voting process 12 wards.
In 1985, Khamenei was re-elected as the president of Iran with 85% of votes to Mahmoud Kashani with 9.85%. In this years presidential election, former Prime Minister Former Prime Minister Bazargan was disqualified to run for election by the Guardian Council.
During the election for the Third Islamic Majles in 1988, 1999 candidates registered to run for election, and 1417 were allowed to run, which was 70.88% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council use their power again and suspended in 15 wards.
In 1989, Iranian 1st supereme leader Ruhollah Khomeini died at the age of 86, and he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the next Supreme leader of Iran, which 60 out of 74 members voted him to become the leader. In the same year, Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani won the presidential election with 94% of the votes against Abbas Sheybani with only 3.86% of the votes.
During the election for the Fourth Islamic Majles in 1992, 3233 candidates have registered to run for election, and only 2741 were allowed to run, which was 84.78% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 3 wards.
In 1993, Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani was re-elected as the president of Iran, who won 63% of the votes against Ahmad Tavakkoli 23.97% of the votes.
During the election for the Fifth Islamic Majles in 1996, 8365 candidates registered to run for election, and 6954 were allowed to run, which was 83.18% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 14 wards.
During the presidential election in 1997, Mohammad Khatami won the election with 69.1% of the votes against Ali-Akbar Nateq-Nouri with 24.87% of the votes.
During the election for the Sixth Islamic Majles in 2000, 6853 candidates registered to run for election, and 5742 were allowed to run, which was 83.37% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 10 wards.
In 2001, Mohammad Khatami was re-elected as the president of Iran with 77% of the votes against Ahamd Tavakkoli with 15.6% of the votes.
During the election for the Seventh Islamic Majles in 2004, 8172 candidates registered to run for election, and 5450 of them were allowed, which was 66.69% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council did not suspend any voting process.
Second Islamic Majiles, Third Islamic Majiles, Khomeini dies - Khamenei appointed leader - Rafsanjani elected president, Fourth Islamic Majiles, Fifth Islamic Majiles, Khatami elected president, Sixth Islamic Majiles, Khatami reelected, Seventh Islamic Majiles
During the election for the Second Islamic Majles in 1984, 1592 candidates have registered to run election, and 1231 were allowed to run, which was 77.32% of the total candidates. Also in this election, the Guardian Council, who has the right and power to suspend elections, has suspended the voting process 12 wards.
In 1985, Khamenei was re-elected as the president of Iran with 85% of votes to Mahmoud Kashani with 9.85%. In this years presidential election, former Prime Minister Former Prime Minister Bazargan was disqualified to run for election by the Guardian Council.
During the election for the Third Islamic Majles in 1988, 1999 candidates registered to run for election, and 1417 were allowed to run, which was 70.88% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council use their power again and suspended in 15 wards.
In 1989, Iranian 1st supereme leader Ruhollah Khomeini died at the age of 86, and he was elected by the Assembly of Experts as the next Supreme leader of Iran, which 60 out of 74 members voted him to become the leader. In the same year, Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani won the presidential election with 94% of the votes against Abbas Sheybani with only 3.86% of the votes.
During the election for the Fourth Islamic Majles in 1992, 3233 candidates have registered to run for election, and only 2741 were allowed to run, which was 84.78% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 3 wards.
In 1993, Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani was re-elected as the president of Iran, who won 63% of the votes against Ahmad Tavakkoli 23.97% of the votes.
During the election for the Fifth Islamic Majles in 1996, 8365 candidates registered to run for election, and 6954 were allowed to run, which was 83.18% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 14 wards.
During the presidential election in 1997, Mohammad Khatami won the election with 69.1% of the votes against Ali-Akbar Nateq-Nouri with 24.87% of the votes.
During the election for the Sixth Islamic Majles in 2000, 6853 candidates registered to run for election, and 5742 were allowed to run, which was 83.37% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council used its power to suspend the voting process in 10 wards.
In 2001, Mohammad Khatami was re-elected as the president of Iran with 77% of the votes against Ahamd Tavakkoli with 15.6% of the votes.
During the election for the Seventh Islamic Majles in 2004, 8172 candidates registered to run for election, and 5450 of them were allowed, which was 66.69% of the total candidates. In this election, the Guardian Council did not suspend any voting process.
NOTE: 9/11 occurred 9/11 of 2001. US courts ruled that Iran organizations played a part in funding Al-Qaeda. The government condemned the attacks and the populace held candle light vigils for the victims. The global media has come to a consensus that the Iranian response was the most sympathetic and heartfelt among the Muslim nations.
NOTE: The US walked out a UN GA Assembly when President Admadinejad made a speech about 9/11 being an American conspiracy.
NOTE: The US walked out a UN GA Assembly when President Admadinejad made a speech about 9/11 being an American conspiracy.
2005 - Ahmadinejad elected president
The 2005 Iranian presidential election was a campaign between former president Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani (1989~1997) and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The entire election was split into two. During the first round, Ahamadienjad used his personal ties to the Revolutionary Guards and TV advertisements showing him praying and praising for the veterans from the Iran-Iraq War, and his modest life as a simple man to attract more lower class people and religious conservatives. Ahamadinejad was also the only candidate that spoke out against the future relationships with the United States. The result of the first round was a really close tie, with Rafsanjani receiving 21% votes and Ahamadinejad 19.4% votes, which was the first runoff in the history of presidential election in Iran. During the second round, Ahamadinejad received the votes of 61.7% to Rafsanjani of 38.3%, led to very surprising result of Ahamadinejad winning the election.
2008 - Elections for the Eighth Islamic Majiles
On the Parlimentary election of 2008, 7597 candidates have registered to run for the 290 seats in the Parliament, and then 4476 were allowed to run, which was 58.92% of the total candidates registered to run. The election has been described as “unfair”, since the 58.92% of the candidates were conservatives and loyal to President Ahamadinejad, while the other 41.08% of the candidates were reformists.
The 2005 Iranian presidential election was a campaign between former president Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani (1989~1997) and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The entire election was split into two. During the first round, Ahamadienjad used his personal ties to the Revolutionary Guards and TV advertisements showing him praying and praising for the veterans from the Iran-Iraq War, and his modest life as a simple man to attract more lower class people and religious conservatives. Ahamadinejad was also the only candidate that spoke out against the future relationships with the United States. The result of the first round was a really close tie, with Rafsanjani receiving 21% votes and Ahamadinejad 19.4% votes, which was the first runoff in the history of presidential election in Iran. During the second round, Ahamadinejad received the votes of 61.7% to Rafsanjani of 38.3%, led to very surprising result of Ahamadinejad winning the election.
2008 - Elections for the Eighth Islamic Majiles
On the Parlimentary election of 2008, 7597 candidates have registered to run for the 290 seats in the Parliament, and then 4476 were allowed to run, which was 58.92% of the total candidates registered to run. The election has been described as “unfair”, since the 58.92% of the candidates were conservatives and loyal to President Ahamadinejad, while the other 41.08% of the candidates were reformists.
Sources:
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/oil_nationalization/oil_nationalization.php
http://www.princeton.edu/irandataportal/elections/pres/1981/
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19810622&id=A3MdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Kl0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2858,3229338http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1722817,00.html#ixzz0iekLsih7
http://www.princeton.edu/irandataportal/elections/parl/2004/
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/walkout-drama-at-un-over-irans-vile-911-claims-28560977.html
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2007/09/91089.html
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/oil_nationalization/oil_nationalization.php
http://www.princeton.edu/irandataportal/elections/pres/1981/
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19810622&id=A3MdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Kl0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2858,3229338http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1722817,00.html#ixzz0iekLsih7
http://www.princeton.edu/irandataportal/elections/parl/2004/
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/walkout-drama-at-un-over-irans-vile-911-claims-28560977.html
http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2007/09/91089.html