The revolution had profound consequences, both domestically and internationally. Within the country, the establishment of an Islamic republic fundamentally changed the political and social order. The new government sought to eliminate the influence of secularism and Westernization, and the country underwent a process of Islamization in which religious principles were integrated into all aspects of public life. The legal system was overhauled to reflect Islamic law, and many secular institutions were dismantled or restructured.
Internationally, the revolution had far-reaching implications. The overthrow of the monarchy was seen as a victory for the forces of anti-imperialism and anti-Western sentiment. The United States, which had been a key ally of the Shah, found itself in an adversarial relationship with the new government. The hostage crisis, in which fifty-two American diplomats were held captive for 444 days, further strained relations between the two countries.
In the years that followed, the new government sought to export its revolutionary ideals to other parts of the region. The rise of political Islam in the Middle East, coupled with the growing influence of the new regime, led to increased tensions between Sunni and Shia factions, as well as between Iran and its regional neighbors. The revolution also had a profound impact on the global balance of power, as the Islamic republic became a central player in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
