سلسله پهلوی — نوسازی، انقلاب سفید و راه به سوی ۱۳۵۷
The Pahlavi dynasty was founded by Reza Khan (Reza Shah Pahlavi) in 1925 following the collapse of the Qajar dynasty. Reza Shah embarked on an ambitious modernization program — building railroads, establishing universities, creating a modern army, banning the veil in public, and adopting the name 'Iran' (from 'Aryan') in place of Persia in international usage.
His son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (r. 1941–1979), continued modernization while surviving the 1953 coup crisis that restored his throne. His White Revolution (1963–1979) included land reform, women's suffrage, literacy programs, and profit-sharing for industrial workers — transforming Iran into one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
The Pahlavi era remains deeply contested. Supporters credit the Pahlavis with transforming Iran, advancing women's rights, and building a prosperous modern nation; critics cite repression by SAVAK (the secret police), wealth inequality, and political authoritarianism. The 1979 revolution, led by Khomeini, ended Pahlavi rule — but many Iranians now view the Pahlavi era as a lost golden age.
The White Revolution was a series of reforms by Mohammad Reza Shah (1963–1979) including land redistribution, women's suffrage, literacy programs, and worker profit-sharing. It modernized Iran but also displaced traditional elites.
The Pahlavis were overthrown in 1979 by a coalition of Islamists, leftists, and liberals united against the Shah's authoritarian rule, SAVAK repression, and perceived American influence. Khomeini hijacked the revolution to establish a theocracy.