The Iranian Revolution

Iran was ruled by a king called the Shah for many years. Many Iranians were unhappy with his rule. In 1979, millions of people protested and the Shah was forced to leave. A religious leader named Ayatollah Khomeini took power and created a new government.

Why People Protested

The Shah of Iran had made the country more modern, but he also controlled people strictly. Many people felt they did not have enough freedom. Religious leaders wanted Islamic law to guide the country. Workers and students joined together to demand change.

A New Government

After the Shah left Iran in January 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile. He set up a new government called the Islamic Republic of Iran. The revolution changed Iran's relationships with many other countries. Iran's government has been an Islamic republic ever since.

Fun Facts

• Millions of Iranians marched in the streets during the revolution.
• The Shah of Iran left the country on January 16, 1979, and never returned.
• Ayatollah Khomeini had been living outside Iran for 14 years before the revolution.

Did You Know?

Iran was called Persia by many Western countries until 1935, when it officially asked to be called Iran.