The Rest Is History 636. Revolution in Iran: Fall of the Shah (Part 1)
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Jan 19, 2026 Explore the explosive Iranian Revolution of 1979, focusing on the intricate dynamics between Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and President Carter. Discover the rapid growth of Tehran and the socio-economic pressures it faced. Dive into Ayatollah Khomeini's fiery sermons that ignited public fervor. Learn about the Shah's lavish lifestyle and Western support, as well as how a newspaper article sparked nationwide protests. Witness the events leading to the regime's collapse, including the tragic Abadan cinema fire that mobilized the masses.
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Carter’s Misplaced Endorsement
- Jimmy Carter publicly embraced the Shah as a guarantor of regional stability just days before the revolution began.
- That praise tied Carter's presidency to a regime that would soon collapse and harm his reputation.
Monarchy Reinvented As Megalomaniac Image
- The Shah claimed ancient Persian legitimacy and cultivated a dictator's personality cult.
- His historical self-image masked insecurity from his father's coup origins and foreign backing.
Persepolis Party Of Excess
- In 1971 the Shah staged a glittering Persepolis celebration with global autocrats and French food flown in.
- The extravagance became a symbol of court corruption and elitism.
