Problems in Iran by the 1970s

What were the problems in Iran in the 1970s?

By the end of the 1970s, many Iranians were very angry at the problems that existed in their society.

What problems were there on the land in Iran in the 1970s?

Despite the Shah's attempt at land reform, many peasants in Iran continued to struggle. The land reforms only gave them just enough land to support their families.

What were the problems with poverty in Iran in the 1970s?

Many Iranians remained very poor, despite the Shah's reforms. The poorest 10% of the population only spent 1.3% of Iran's wealth.

What problems were there with inequality in Iran in the 1970s?

There were 4 important problems in Iran with inequality in the 1970s.

• ❖ Some Iranians became very rich through oil revenues, but others remained extremely poor.
• ❖ The wealthiest 10% of Iranians spent 37.9% of Iran's money.
• ❖ The Shah and his family lived in luxury and owned palaces, while many urban Iranians lived in shanty towns.
• ❖ The Shah funded extravagant celebrations and monuments, such as the Shahyad Monument, or Iran's 2,500th anniversary celebrations which cost $300 million.

What problems were there with lack of development in Iran in the 1970s?

There were 3 important problems in Iran with lack of development in the 1970s.

• ❖ Many villages didn't have water, electricity or roads.
• ❖ Iran had the worst infant mortality rates in the Middle East.
• ❖ There were high rates of adult illiteracy and very few people went into higher education.

What problems were there with repression in Iran in the 1970s?

In 1957, the Shah's secret police was established, called SAVAK. It used repressive methods of control on the Iranian people.

• ❖ It was supported by the American FBI and the Israeli Mossad.
• ❖ It had 5,000 agents and many informers.
• ❖ It used torture, forced confessions and summary executions.

What problems were there with Americanisation in Iran in the 1970s?

The Shah was close to America and tried to bring many features of the western way of life into Iran. However, there were 5 problems with with Americanisation in the 1970s.

• ❖ Many Iranians saw the Shah as an American stooge who was allowing their country to be exploited.
• ❖ American-style malls took business away from the traditional bazaar merchants.
• ❖ Islamic mullahs denounced western films and culture as sinful and immoral.
• ❖ Imports of American food undermined Iranian farmers.
• ❖ The Ayatollah Khomeini preached against the influence of the USA, calling it 'the Great Satan'.

What problems were there with autocracy in Iran in the 1970s?

There were 5 important problems with autocracy in Iran in the 1970s.

• ❖ The government of Iran was autocratic and power wasn't shared very equally.
• ❖ The main political parties in Iran - Melli, Iran Vovin and Mardom - became known as the 'Yes', Yes, sir' and 'Yes, of course' parties.
• ❖ The prime ministers and advisers were chosen from the Shah's favourites and friends.
• ❖ Ministers were young, western-educated and chosen for their loyalty to the Shah.
• ❖ In March 1975, the Shah made Iran into a one-party state under the Resurgence Party.