CONSTITUTIONAL REVOLUTION

In 1905 Iran (Persia) was still under the rule of the Qajar Dynasty who had ruled Persia
since 1781. Over the duration of Qajar rule, Persia had gradually become a victim
of Russian and British imperial policies in The Great Game. This international rivalry had also
weakened successive central governments in Tehran. Elements of Persia's society believed the
only way they could save their country from total domination by foreign powers was to curtail
absolute powers of the king An Anglo- Russian puppet, establish a democratic system, and
stop it from being manipulated by foreign powers. It was felt that the best way to do this was to
develop a written code of laws, or a Constitution.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REVOLUTION
Opulent and luxurious life style of the Qajar kings
Procurement of colossal loans at high interest rate from Britain and Russia
Selling out national resources to Britain and Russian companies to repay the interest on
loan
Imposition of heavy taxes on the people for the repayment of the loans
Increasing Britain and Russian influence in Persian
Increasing awareness in the people

IMMEDIATE CAUSES
Tobacco Concession of 1890: Nasiruddin Shah granted a concession to an Englishman, F.G.
Talbot, for the production, processing, distribution and sale of all tobacco grown in Persia for a
period of 50 years in return for a annual sum of 15,000 (3% of Net Profit). The farmers and
merchants protested and finally the concession was withdrawn.
Huge Loans from Russia: Muzaffaruddin Shah took a loan of 20 million rubles from Russia to
finance his opulent life and his trip to Europe. Protests broke out over the collection of heavy
taxes from merchants and other people to pay back the Russian loan.
FORMATION OF THE FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND CONSTITUTION (1906)
In 1906, after a year-long series of popular protests and demonstrations, about 12,000 men
gathered in the gardens of the British Embassy and demanded for a parliament and a
constitution. Finally on April 5, 1906, Muzaffaruddin Shah ordered to establish a Persian
assembly. On August 6, 1906, the first Legislative assembly (The Supreme National Assembly)
was formed. A short constitution of 1906 was drafted. Muzaffaruddin Shah signed the
constitution on December 30, 1906 and died five days later.
FEATURES OF THE CNSTITUTION 1906
The shah's absolutist powers were substantially curtailed
He remained head of state, but governed through ministers responsible to the Majlis
He no longer controlled the treasury
No part of the nation's resources could be sold without Majlis authorization
No foreign treaties could be enacted or foreign debts acquired, without Majlis
authorization
All the laws of the nation had to be approved by the Majlis
The shah was obligated to uphold the Constitution
The constitution guaranteed freedom of organization and freedom of the press

EVENTS LEADING TOWARDS THE END OF THE REVOLUTION
Muhammad Ali Mirzas attack on the Assembly building: Muzaffaruddin Shah was
succeeded by his son Muhammad Ali Mirza. He was averse to the constitutional restrictions
imposed on the kings. He attempted to rescind the constitution and abolish parliamentary
government. In 1908, he used his Russian-officered Persian Cossacks Brigade to attack the
Majlis building, arrest many of the deputies, and close down the assembly. In July 1909,
constitutional forces marched from Rasht to Tehran lead by Mohammad Vali Khan, deposed the
Shah, and re-established the constitution. The shah was exiled to Russia. On 16 July 1909,
the Majles voted to place Mohammad Ali Shah's son, Ahmad Shah on the throne.
Anglo-Russian Agreement: In August 1907, was Britain and Russia agreed to divide Persia
into spheres of influence. The northern was allocated to Russia. The southern region was
allotted to the British. A central zone was left for the Persians to govern.
Economic backwardness and Morgan Shuster: The treasury was empty and there were no
funds to run the system. The Majlis hired Morgan Shuster, an American finance specialist, to
collect taxes from powerful Russian officials. Russia wanted his dismissal but the Majlis
unanimously denied.
Russian attempt to occupy the capital: On denial of Morgans dismissal, Russian troops,
already in the country, moved to occupy the capital. It caused acute political crisis in the
capital.
Reza Shahs coup d'tat and the Foundation of Pahlavi dynasty: On 21 February 1921, Reza
Khan, commander of the Persian Cossack Brigade, seized control of the capital and staged
a coup d'tat under American influence. In 1925, Reza Shah deposed Ahmad Shah Qajar, the
last Shah of the Qajar dynasty, and founded the Pahlavi dynasty. He established a
constitutional monarchy that lasted until overthrown in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution.
CONCLUSION
While Iran did gain a constitution, the goal of Iranian independence from external influence
was not achieved by the constitutional revolution. Though Iran was significantly free from
Russian and British control, American influence took roots in Iran and grew exponentially in
the Pahlavi dynasty. It offended the Ulma and led to Iranian Revolution (1979) under the
leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini who disposed the last Pahlavi ruler Mohammad Reza Shah
Pahlavi- II, and overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty.