Life in IRAN Before and After The Islamic Revolution | 5 Differences in 15 Minutes

Summary

This video explores Iran's transformation before and after the Islamic Revolution. It highlights the country's shift from modernization under the Shah's Western-influenced regime, with cultural freedoms and educational reforms, to the post-revolution period dominated by conservative Islamic values. The revolution reversed many of the Shah’s reforms, leading to restrictions on women's rights, a state-controlled economy, and an anti-Western political system. Despite improvements in literacy and infrastructure, Iran faces economic challenges, high unemployment, and rising demands for freedom, especially from younger generations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Iran experienced significant cultural changes before and after the Islamic Revolution, shifting from a Western-influenced society to an anti-Western one.
• 👥 The White Revolution led to rapid modernization and Westernization, but also caused discontent due to oppression and corruption.
• 🏛️ The Islamic Revolution resulted in a crackdown on perceived enemies of the state, with a focus on conservative Islamic ideology.
• 👩‍🎓 Education underwent a major shift post-revolution, with a return to religious focus and the removal of secular aspects.
• 📈 Literacy rates improved dramatically after the Islamic Revolution, with a significant reduction in the gender gap.
• 🚫 Women's rights were restricted post-revolution, with laws enforcing dress codes and limiting public roles and education fields.
• 💵 The economy was a key factor leading to the Islamic Revolution, with wealth inequality and a focus on urban areas.
• 📊 Iran's economy diversified post-revolution, but oil remains a critical source of foreign exchange and government revenue.
• 🏦 State control over key economic sectors discourages private investment and affects economic performance.
• 🗳️ Iran's political system is unique, combining elements of democracy with a supreme leader who has significant control over various aspects of governance.
• 🌐 Iran's top trading partners have shifted from Western to Eastern and regional countries due to its anti-Western stance.

Q & A

What was the White Revolution in Iran?

The White Revolution was an aggressive modernization program in Iran that led to rapid westernization. It included reforms such as women's voting rights, family law reforms, and increased women's participation in the economy and society.

What were the main reasons for the Islamic Revolution in Iran?

The main reasons for the Islamic Revolution were general unhappiness with the regime's corruption, a luxurious lifestyle, and the influence of Western powers on Iran's government. This led to social anti-government demonstrations that escalated into the revolution.

How did the Islamic Revolution change Iran's cultural landscape?

After the Islamic Revolution, Iran adopted an anti-western mindset, and conservative political and religious leaders cracked down on perceived enemies of the state. This resulted in stricter enforcement of Islamic codes of dress and behavior.

What was the impact of the Islamic Revolution on women's rights in Iran?

The Islamic Revolution led to the retraction of many freedoms women had gained under the Shah's rule. Mandatory hijab, public dress codes, and restrictions on education and employment opportunities for women were imposed.

What were the key educational changes after the Islamic Revolution?

After the Islamic Revolution, religion was reintroduced into all schools, secular education was scrapped, and there was a focus on regulating behavior and dress of students, including mandatory hijabs for girls.

How has literacy and education in Iran changed since the Islamic Revolution?

Literacy and education rates have improved dramatically since the Islamic Revolution. By 2016, the literacy rate was 86%, the gender gap was reduced to 9%, and the female enrollment rate in tertiary education was over 66%.

What was the economic situation in Iran before the Islamic Revolution?

Before the Islamic Revolution, the economy was heavily dependent on oil, with over 90% of Iran's GDP coming from oil and gas. There was also a significant gap between urban and rural areas and a poverty rate of around 25%.

How has Iran's economy diversified since the Islamic Revolution?

Iran's economy has become more diversified with services making up 50% of the GDP, industry and mining at 32%, agriculture at 13%, and oil at only 5%. However, oil remains a critical source of foreign exchange and government revenue.

What is the role of the Supreme Leader in Iran's political system?

The Supreme Leader in Iran is an omnipotent figure who controls the economy, Armed Forces, environment, foreign policy, education, national planning, intelligence, defense, and even the multi-billion dollar government account.

How does the Guardian Council function within Iran's political system?

The Guardian Council is composed of 12 members who approve laws consented by the parliament, monitor elections, and review candidates for elected offices, including the president.

What are the current challenges faced by Iran's economy?

Iran's economy faces challenges such as high-income inequality, difficulty in absorbing university graduates, and state domination of key sectors that discourage private investments. Additionally, high unemployment rates among educated youth suggest deeper problems with the economic growth model.