By the late 1960s and early 1970s, opposition to the Shah’s rule grew due to multiple factors. The increased repression of political dissent through the activities of SAVAK, the Shah’s secret police, alienated many Iranians, particularly students, intellectuals, and clerics. Additionally, the Shah’s policies—such as his support for Israel, close ties with the United States, and perceived Westernization of Iranian culture—provoked anger among religious leaders and traditional segments of society. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had been exiled for opposing the Shah’s policies, emerged as a central figure in mobilizing resistance against the monarchy.
At the same time, Marxist, socialist, and nationalist groups also played a significant role in the revolutionary movement. Intellectuals such as Ali Shariati advocated for a revolutionary interpretation of Islam that combined elements of socialism and nationalism, further radicalizing Iranian youth. The economic recession of the mid-1970s, coupled with widespread corruption and the Shah’s extravagant spending, exacerbated public grievances, leading to increasing anti-government sentiment.
Key Events of the Revolution
The revolution gained momentum in 1977 when protests against the Shah’s rule began to escalate. Initially sparked by economic hardship and political repression, the protests spread across different cities, drawing larger crowds. The participation of various groups—including students, workers, clerics, and merchants—demonstrated the widespread opposition to the monarchy.
One of the pivotal moments in the revolution was the use of Shiite religious traditions to sustain political protests. Demonstrators organized gatherings to commemorate the deaths of those killed in previous protests, following the Shiite custom of holding ceremonies on the 40th day after a person’s death. This strategy led to a cycle of continuous demonstrations, keeping public dissent alive and amplifying anti-Shah sentiments.