Breaking History: Restless Nation - The Making of Modern Iran (Part 1)
Episode Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Eli Lake
Guest: Professor Abbas Amanat, Yale Historian and Author of "A Modern History"

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Restless Nation: The Making of Modern Iran," host Eli Lake engages in a comprehensive exploration of Iran's tumultuous journey from the early 20th century to the pivotal moments leading up to the 1953 CIA-backed coup. With esteemed historian Professor Abbas Amanat, the episode delves into the intricate interplay of political movements, foreign interventions, and internal dynamics that have shaped modern Iran.

Background: Iran at the Turn of the 20th Century

By the late 19th century, Iran found itself in a state of debilitating stagnation. The population was predominantly illiterate, agriculture was primitive, and the nation lacked a centralized education system or a robust military. Foreign powers like Russia, Germany, the British Empire, and the Ottomans were vying for influence, treating Iran as a strategic chessboard—a situation exacerbated by the corrupt and decadent Qajar dynasty.

Notable Quote:
Abbas Amanat reflects on the period, stating, "Iran was now the chessboard in a game played by great powers. This sad state of affairs is due to the Qajar dynasty." (05:35)

The Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911)

Amid widespread discontent, economic grievances ignited the Constitutional Revolution. Triggered by oppressive policies such as the 1892 tobacco boycott and the 1905 sugar price controls, the movement sought to establish a parliamentary system to curb the Shah's absolute authority. A pivotal moment occurred on December 12, 1905, when Mullah Jamal Al Din Isfahani's protests against price controls galvanized thousands, leading to the formation of the Majlis (parliament).

Notable Quote:
Eli Lake summarizes the historical significance: "The Constitutional Revolution ends up leading to democracy? No, it didn't lead to democracy." (17:22)

Abbas Amanat highlights the unique nature of the revolution:
"It is a leaderless revolution. There is no charismatic figure... they were all basically supporters of a constitutional cause." (14:40-14:53)

Rise of Reza Khan and the Pahlavi Dynasty

The Qajar dynasty's instability paved the way for Reza Khan, a military officer from the Russian-led Cossack forces, to ascend to power. Reza Khan's pivotal role during the Jangyal movement in the early 1920s earned him prominence. In 1921, capitalizing on the government's weakness, he orchestrated a coup with the support of local journalists, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 1923 and later Shah Reza Pahlavi in 1925.

Significant Events:

• 1921: Reza Khan suppresses the Jangal rebellion.
• 1923: Appointed Prime Minister.
• 1925: Officially becomes Shah, founding the Pahlavi dynasty.

Notable Quote:
Abbas Amanat discusses the transition:
"Why the intellectuals wanted him... realized that the path through constitutionalism is not going to take them anywhere." (31:51-32:33)

Modernization Under Reza Shah

Shah Reza Pahlavi embarked on extensive modernization efforts, transforming Iran into a centralized nation-state. His reforms included building infrastructure like the national railroad, establishing a modern army, and overhauling the education system. However, his authoritarian approach led to the suppression of opposition, including banning the hijab and exiling dissenting clerics.

Notable Quote:
Amanat acknowledges Reza Shah's achievements and authoritarianism:
"He manages to create a certain national integration... It was a very talented aristocratic group." (34:56-35:38)

World War II and Its Aftermath

Neutrality during World War II proved disastrous for Iran when the Allied forces—specifically the Soviet Union and Britain—invaded in 1941 to secure oil supplies and ensure a supply route to the USSR. This occupation weakened the Pahlavi regime and set the stage for future political upheavals.

Notable Quote:
Amanat reflects on Iran's diplomacy:
"Iran's diplomats are excellent at negotiating from a weak position." (38:04)

Following the war, Iran faced famine and the Spanish flu, decimating the population and further destabilizing the nation.

The Era of Mohammad Mossadegh and Oil Nationalization

In the post-war period, Mohammad Mossadegh emerged as a prominent figure advocating for the nationalization of Iran's oil industry, which had long been dominated by the British-controlled Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later British Petroleum). Mossadegh's efforts were driven by national pride and a demand for economic justice, echoing the earlier Constitutional Revolution's themes.

Key Events:

• 1951: Majlis passes the nationalization bill.
• 1952: Mossadegh consolidates power, imposing restrictive laws that begin to undermine his own coalition.

Notable Quote:
Amanat critiques Mossadegh's rigidity:
"Mossadegh was incapable of compromising at a time when the art of compromise was necessary and indeed urgent." (50:29)

The 1953 CIA-Backed Coup (Operation Ajax)

Mossadegh's steadfast refusal to compromise led to increased tensions both domestically and internationally. Internal opposition, combined with British disapproval, pressured the United States to intervene. The CIA orchestrated Operation Ajax, collaborating with Iranian dissidents to depose Mossadegh. The coup succeeded on August 19, 1953, reinstating the Shah's autocratic rule and sidelining Mossadegh, who spent his remaining years under house arrest until his death in 1967.

Notable Quotes:
Amanat describes the Western perspective in 1951:
"However, Mossadegh's challenge could not be met by force... the west had not yet developed the moral muscle to define its own goals and responsibilities in the Middle East." (54:02)

Eli Lake summarizes the coup's legacy:
"Here is Madeleine Albright in an address... 'In 1953, the United States played a significant role in orchestrating the overthrow of Iran's popular Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh...'" (62:22)

Consequences and Legacy of the Coup

The 1953 coup had profound ramifications for Iran's political landscape. It solidified the Shah's power but sowed seeds of discontent that would later fuel the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The intervention left lasting resentment towards Western interference, a narrative that continues to influence Iran's relations with the United States and the West.

Notable Quote:
Amanat reflects on the coup's long-term effects:
"Even with your enemies, even with your adversaries, you have to have the capacity to put yourself occasionally in their shoes." (62:36)

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

The episode concludes by highlighting the paradox of Iran's political evolution—where the Constitutional Revolution's push for democracy inadvertently paved the way for autocratic rule under the Pahlavi dynasty. The groundwork laid by figures like Mossadegh and the subsequent coup were instrumental in shaping modern Iran's trajectory, setting the stage for the dramatic changes to come in the following episode.

Teaser:
Eli Lake hints at the next installment: "In the next episode, the Shah consolidates his power and faces a formidable rival, a radical cleric who seethes and plots as another Pahlavi modernizes this ancient land. Stay tuned for part two, as we dive into the Shah's demise and the revolution that created the Islamic police state that still stands today."

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Context: Understanding Iran's early 20th-century challenges is crucial to grasping its modern political dynamics.
• Constitutional Revolution: Pioneered the establishment of a parliamentary system, setting foundations for future governance.
• Rise of Reza Shah: Centralized and modernized Iran but at the cost of authoritarian rule.
• Oil Nationalization: Highlighted economic injustices and national pride but led to intensified foreign intervention.
• 1953 Coup: A decisive moment that reshaped Iran's political landscape, fostering long-term resentment and paving the way for future revolutions.

This episode provides a nuanced examination of Iran's path towards modernization and the complex interplay of internal reforms and external interventions. Professor Abbas Amanat's insights offer a deep historical perspective, shedding light on the enduring challenges that continue to influence Iran's socio-political fabric today.