| Who ruled Iran at the start of the 20th century? | The Shah |
| Which British company controlled Iran’s oil fields? | Anglo-Iranian Oil |
| What did Iranian nationalists demand after World War II? | Government control of oil fields and at least half of oil profits |
| Who became Iran’s Prime Minister in 1951? | Mohammed Mossadeq |
| What law did the Iranian Parliament pass under Mossadeq? | Nationalisation of the oil industry |
| How did Britain retaliate against Iran’s oil nationalisation? | Withdrew workforce, imposed oil embargo, and blockaded ports |
| Why did the USA support Britain in overthrowing Mossadeq? | Fear of Soviet influence in Iran during the Cold War |
| What happened to Mossadeq after his removal? | He was put on trial, imprisoned, and Parliament was closed down |
| What was the name of the CIA operation to overthrow Mossadeq? | Operation Ajax |
| Who led the CIA's role in the coup? | Kermit Roosevelt Jr. |
| How did the CIA contribute to Mossadeq’s removal? | Funded the coup, spread propaganda, and staged protests |
| Who replaced Mossadeq as Prime Minister after the coup? | General Fazlollah Zahedi |
| What share of Iran’s oil profits did Western companies receive after the coup? | 40% |
| What organisation did the CIA help create in Iran to suppress opposition? | SAVAK |
| How much aid did the US give Iran over ten years? | $1.2 billion |
| Which US president called Iran an “island of stability” in 1978? | Jimmy Carter |
| What was the name of the Shah’s reform program from 1963 to 1979? | White Revolution |
| How was land distributed under the White Revolution? | Land was purchased from landlords and sold to peasants below market value |
| What initiative aimed to improve literacy rates in rural Iran? | Literacy Corps |
| What major resource was nationalized during the White Revolution? | Water resources |
| Who led the opposition to the Shah in the 1970s? | The mullahs (Muslim religious leaders) |
| Why was the Shah’s 2500th-anniversary celebration controversial? | It cost $330 million while millions of Iranians lived in poverty |
| What was one major criticism of the Shah’s foreign relations? | His close ties with the USA and support for Israel |
| How did the opposition spread Khomeini’s messages inside Iran? | Through smuggled cassette tapes |
| What event in September 1978 escalated protests against the Shah? | Military rule was introduced, and troops killed over 3000 demonstrators |
| What action in October 1978 significantly weakened the Shah’s regime? | A wave of strikes that halted industry, including oil production |
| Why did some soldiers refuse to fire on protestors in late 1978? | Many, especially conscripts, sympathised with the demonstrators |
| What happened after the Shah left Iran in January 1979? | Ayatollah Khomeini returned and declared an Islamic Revolution |
| How did the Shah’s political repression contribute to the 1979 revolution? | Banning of political parties, censorship, and reliance on SAVAK alienated many Iranians. |
| How did the White Revolution create economic challenges? | It led to rapid urbanization, a widening wealth gap, and rural discontent. |
| Why did many devout Muslims oppose the Shah’s policies? | Westernization and secularization were seen as eroding Islamic values. |
| What role did Ayatollah Khomeini play in the revolution? | He became a unifying figure, promoting an Islamic government and mobilizing protests. |
| Why did many Iranians see the Shah as a “puppet of the West”? | His close relationship with the U.S. and reliance on Western support fueled resentment. |
| How did the 1953 CIA coup contribute to revolutionary sentiment? | Iranians resented the U.S.-backed overthrow of Prime Minister Mossadegh. |
| Why was the Shah’s leadership seen as weak in the late 1970s? | He was detached from public concerns, refused to compromise, and suffered from cancer. |
| How did excessive military spending fuel discontent? | The Shah prioritized buying Western arms over addressing domestic needs. |
