Iran Flashcards
1
Q
Background of Iran
A
- In the Middle East
- Not an Arab country (do not speak Arabic)
- Speak Farsi/Persian
- Main religion is Islam
- Never was colonized
2
Q
Alliance with Great Britain
A
- 1908: Oil is discovered in Iran
- 1909: British create the Anglo-Persian Oil Company
- The British government held a majority of the shares from the oil
3
Q
Iranian Rebellion
A
Iranians rebelled against British presence in their country and their use of their oil in the 1950s
4
Q
Western reactions to the Iranian Rebellion
A
- Britain: Workers fled Iran
- United States: Intervened and supported the Pahlavi family
- Named Mohammed Reza the “Shah” of Iran
- Reza was pro-modernization and anti-communist
5
Q
Why might some Iranians been in favor of the British oil production in their home country?
A
- Could improve the Iranian economy
- Allow for Iran to compete with other Western nations
- Allow for Iran to improve their trade and become more competitive, as oil was very valuable
6
Q
Why might some Iranians been opposed to the same, and what was their reaction?
A
- The oil is in Iran, so it rightfully belongs to them and they should profit as well
- The British should not benefit off of profit from goods that were not theirs
- Mussadeq gave empty promises (political corruption)
- Iranian nationalism began to rise and calls for nationalization were made
- Strikes and riots broke out in the oil fields
7
Q
How do the British and American reactions differ, and are there any similarities?
A
- Both British and American intelligence agencies helped restore the Shah to power and arrest Mussadeq
- British oil workers fled Iran, while the Americans stepped in to support the Pahlavi family
8
Q
The Shah of Iran
A
- Real name was Mohammed Reza Pahlavi
- Power was expanded by the CIA and M16
- Pro western government
- Pro oil trade
- Anti communist
9
Q
Policies of the Shah
A
- Promoted a modernized/western living standard
- People had access to education, careers, fashion choices, social lives, etc.
- Political freedom was limited by the police; those who opposed the Shah were arrested and physically harmed
10
Q
Opponents of the Shah
A
- Young people with traditional values and Muslim beliefs wanted a return to traditional culture and a religious aspect in the government
- Wanted Ayatollah (Muslim clerics) to have a role in government
- Ayatollah Khomeini was their exiled voice of leadership
11
Q
The Shah is Exiled
A
- The Pahlavi family moves to New York
- The USA tried to protect the Shah without causing an international crisis
- The Shah became sick with cancer - the US was “treating his illness”
12
Q
What rights do women in Iran already have access to?
A
- Education
- Voting
- Being elected into office
- Certain careers
13
Q
Islamic Republic
A
- Official government of Iran
- A government that enforces the teachings of Islam through a legislative body
14
Q
Women’s education in Iran
A
- Women have access to education
- Schools pre-k through 12th grade are segregated based on sex
- College is co-ed
15
Q
Women’s occupations in Iran
A
- Limited choice of careers
- Women can be doctors and lawyers
- Industry and business-based jobs are more restrictive
16
Q
Women’s elections in Iran
A
- Women can vote/be elected into office
- Gained the right to vote in 1963
- Since the revolution in 1979, many women have been elected into office
- No female president; highest office held was vice president
17
Q
Women’s social freedoms in Iran
A
- Women’s social freedoms are limited
- Women are forced to wear the hijab in all public places
- Before the revolution, many women wore the hijab
- The Quran does not require the hijab, but rather suggests it
- Iranian government is making the decision for them
18
Q
Policies of President Ahmadinejad
A
- President from 2005-2013
- Was anti-Semitic and denied the Holocaust
- Used morality police
19
Q
Holocaust Denial in Iran
A
- Iranian government denies the Holocaust existed
- Held a international Holocaust denial convention
- Reject the legitimacy of the State of Israel
- Threatens to attack Israel
- Israel is USA’s closest Middle Eastern ally: attack on Israel is an attack on the USA
20
Q
Iran Nuclear Deal
A
- 2015 UN committee called 5+1 allows Iran to become a nuclear power
- No nuclear power, just nuclear energy
- IAEA will inspect Iran’s nuclear power plants
21
Q
Countries in 5+1
A
- USA
- UK
- China
- France
- Russia
- Germany**
**Not a permanent member (+1) since they did not win WW1 -> has strong GDP, which allows them involvement
22
Q
Positive reactions to the Iran Nuclear Deal
A
- Money/profit from giving Iran uranium
- Quality of life/modernization improve in Iran
- Iran will be easier to work with/more diplomatic
23
Q
Negative reactions to the Iran Nuclear Deal
A
- Iran could use the nuclear energy to create nuclear weapons
- Would then attack Israel or the USA
24
Q
- The above quote suggests:
A
The Shah’s power was expanded by the United States and Great Britain
25
2. Why did the United States become involved in Iran?
To take advantage of the oil fields
26
3. The oil companies in Iran would eventually be owned by:
Iran
27
4. Which group initially benefitted the most from the creation of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?
The British government
28
5. Mussadeq gained popularity with the claim that:
The oil fields were going to terminate poverty
29
6. The street demonstrations in the reading suggest:
The rising popularity of Khomeini
30
7. Why would the killing of an Ayatollah been significant?
The Ayatollahs were leaders in the Muslim world that dominated Iran
31
8. What was the official reason the United States government received the Shah?
The Shah was ill and required treatment
32
9. The main group in charge of the Iranian Revolution was:
The youth
33
10. Why did the revolutionaries storm the US Embassy in Tehran?
The United States was housing the Shah
