• 1925

    Reza Shah started the Pahlavi Dynasty in 1925, aiming to modernize Iran and reduce religious influence.
  • 1941 until 1979

    His son, Mohammad Reza Shah, ruled from 1941 until 1979.
  • 1953

    a U.S. and U.K.-backed coup booted Prime Minister Mossadeq after he tried to nationalize oil.
  • 1963

    1963: The Shah rolls out the White Revolution—it's all about land reforms and giving women more rights. But not everyone is on board with these changes.
  • 1963

    The Shah pushed for modernization, improving the economy and education while expanding women's rights.
  • early 1970's

    Early 1970s: Economic issues and political repression are on the rise. Ayatollah Khomeini is gaining followers and stirring up the scene.
  • 1978:

    Protests galore! The people are fed up, and the Shah's grip on power is slipping.
  • January 1979 the vroom was personal

    The Shah books it out of Iran, leaving the country in chaos. VROOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!
  • february 1979

    Khomeini returns from exile, and bam! The Islamic Republic of Iran is established, which is changing everything.
  • 1979

    Despite reforms, the Shah's authoritarian rule led to increased dissent and cultural disconnection.