Empire 119. The Last Shah
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Feb 1, 2024 
Ali Ansari, a Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St. Andrews and a modern Iranian history expert, unveils the tumultuous history of Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty. He discusses Reza Shah's modernization efforts and the influence of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, highlighting foreign interference during World War II. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by his son, Mohammad Reza Shah, including the 1953 CIA-backed coup against Mossadegh, illustrating the complexities of nationalism and foreign power dynamics in Iran.
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Reza Shah's Coronation
- Vita Sackville-West attended Reza Shah's coronation in 1926 and described him as regal and powerful.
- Though slightly vulgar, the British initially saw him as a serious nationalist leader.
Iranian Oil's Strategic Importance
- Britain's shift to oil-powered ships made Iranian oil a strategic interest, transforming Iran from a buffer zone to a vital resource.
- The Anglo-Persian Oil Company's operations led to Iran's first significant industrial development and the emergence of a working class.
Unveiling of Women
- Reza Shah's unveiling of women was inspired by the unveiled Afghan queen in 1928.
- Previously mandatory, the veil was then abolished, forcing a significant cultural shift for Iranian women.