Pahlavi facts for kids

The Pahlavi dynasty was the last royal family to rule Iran, a country in the Middle East. They were in power from 1925 until 1979. This period was a time of big changes for Iran, as the country tried to become more modern.

What Was the Pahlavi Dynasty?

A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same family. The Pahlavi dynasty began when Reza Shah Pahlavi became the Shah, or king, of Iran. He took over from the previous ruling family, the Qajar dynasty. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, became the next Shah. Today, Reza II is considered the head of the Pahlavi family, even though they no longer rule Iran.

Reza Shah Pahlavi: The Founder

Reza Shah Pahlavi was born in 1878. He started his career in the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1921, he led a successful military action that helped him gain power. Four years later, in 1925, he officially became the Shah of Iran.

Modernizing Iran

Reza Shah wanted to make Iran a strong and modern country, like many in Europe. He started many new projects:

• He built new roads and the first national railway.
• He set up modern schools and the first university in Iran.
• He encouraged women to take part in public life and removed the rule that women had to wear veils.
• He also worked to make the government stronger and more organized.

World War II and His Abdication

During World War II, Iran tried to stay neutral. However, because of its important oil resources and location, both the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union invaded Iran in 1941. They worried that Reza Shah was too friendly with Germany. To avoid further conflict, Reza Shah stepped down from power in 1941. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, became the new Shah.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: The Last Shah

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was born in 1919. He became Shah during a difficult time for Iran. After World War II, he continued his father's efforts to modernize the country.

The White Revolution

In the 1960s, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi started a series of major reforms called the "White Revolution." These changes included:

• Giving land to farmers who didn't own any.
• Allowing women to vote and run for office.
• Building more schools and health clinics.
• Developing industries and improving the economy.

Challenges and the End of the Dynasty

Even with these changes, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi faced many challenges. Some people felt that his reforms were not enough or that they were happening too fast. Others were unhappy with his style of rule, which became more strict over time.

In 1979, a major revolution took place in Iran. Many people, including religious leaders and students, protested against the Shah's rule. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was forced to leave Iran, and the Pahlavi dynasty came to an end. Iran then became an Islamic Republic.

What Happened After?

After the revolution, the Pahlavi family went into exile. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi died in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi (often called Reza II), is now considered the head of the Pahlavi family. He lives outside Iran and continues to speak about the future of his country.

Images for kids

• 

  A robot, symbolizing technology and the future.