British attempts to make Iran a semi-protectorate by proposing a treaty in 1919 were stoutly resisted by a proto-nationalist movement. This reaction against foreign domination was another one of Persia\'s nationalist sentiments—sentiments whic ...
British attempts to make Iran a semi-protectorate by proposing a treaty in 1919 were stoutly resisted by a proto-nationalist movement. This reaction against foreign domination was another one of Persia\'s nationalist sentiments—sentiments which often presaged similar movements in other Middle Eastern countries. <br/>One by-product of the 1919 nationalist movement was the 1921 coup led by Reza Khan, a commander of the Iranian Cossack Brigade. Reza Khan, a man of imposing presence and extremely strong personality, consolidated his power and avidly sought to reform and modernize his country. <br/>An impressive reformer and nation-builder, Reza Shah developed a national army, established internal order, lessened foreign influence, instituted educational reforms, laid the foundations for a modem economy, constructed a modem communications network, lashed out at symbols of tradition and supported such symbolic measures as the unveiling of women. He also developed a series of reforms to lessen the influence of the clergy and increase his own power. <br/>A fervent nationalist and an extraordinary modernizer who succeeded in establishing Iran as a modern nation, Reza Shah was also an autocrat who controlled the political process completely. However, although he kept absolute power in his own hands, he chose to continue the system of patrimonial monarchy while maintaining parliamentary forms and procedures. <br/>By the time he abdicated in 1941, Reza Shah had acquired in his own name the largest landholdings in Iran. His rule had become more repressive and absolute, and he disposed of all those suspected of having ties to foreign countries or whomever he thought disloyal to the country or a threat to himself or to his son. <br/>He has turned out to have been the most influential personality in modern Iranian history—or the leader with the most impact on the country at least since Nader Shah.
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