FROM THE WHITE REVOLUTION TO THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION - THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, LEGAL, AND RELIGIOUS CONTEXT THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MONARCHY IN IRAN
FROM THE WHITE REVOLUTION TO THE ISLAMIC REVOLUTION - THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, LEGAL, AND RELIGIOUS CONTEXT THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MONARCHY IN IRAN

Summary/Abstract: The main objective of this paper consists of the presentation of the reform program which was launched by the last Shah of Iran, Mohamed Reza Pahlavi, to modernize and emancipate the country. It was built especially to strengthen those classes that supported the traditional systems. Thus, the Shah announced the White Revolution as a step towards westernization, hoping to get rid of the landlords influence and create a new base of support among the working classes. He had intended the regeneration of Iranian society through social, economic, judicial and religious reforms, with the long-aim of transforming Iran into a global power. But this reform program lead to strong tensions with the landlords and others notables and has brought the rising popularity of the “religious opposition”. This paper aims at outlining the failures of some of the reforms and the antagonism with the clergy and other elites, would ultimately contribute to the Islamic Revolution and the Shah`s downfall.

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