How did Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s autocratic rule contribute to the Iranian Revolution?

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s autocratic rule was a primary catalyst for the Iranian Revolution, as his consolidation of power and suppression of dissent alienated diverse segments of society.12

Political Repression and Lack of Participation

The Shah’s regime systematically dismantled avenues for political participation. He marginalized or outlawed opposition groups, including the National Front and the Tūdeh Party, while the parliament became a rubber-stamp institution. Political dissent was met with censorship, surveillance, and harassment by SAVAK, the regime's secret police, which frequently employed illegal detention and torture.132

Social and Economic Discontent

The Shah’s White Revolution—an aggressive modernization program—upended traditional power structures, including those of the ulama and landowners. While the program aimed to modernize Iran, it led to:14
* Economic Inequality: Benefits were unevenly distributed, and high inflation stagnated the standard of living for many.13
* Cultural Dislocation: Rapid urbanization created a "cultural vacuum" for rural migrants, who became increasingly receptive to the populist rhetoric of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.13
* Foreign Dependence: The Shah’s perceived subservience to the United States and ties to Israel fueled nationalist and religious opposition.123

Ultimately, these factors unified secular intellectuals, religious leaders, and the working poor in a broad coalition to overthrow the regime.13