Background Info

In the 1970s, Iran was one of America's major allies because we helped put their leader into power and were helping them to develop democracy instead of a cruel dictatorship. Iran's ruler, Shah Mohammad Pahlavi was able to build a powerful army due to the foreign aid America gave them. Shah Mohammad Pahlavi was supported by America and embraced a lot of American ideas. Many Iranians did not like Shah Mohammad Pahlavi and felt that the American influences were harmful to their country. Many Iranians felt that the American influences weakened traditional Muslim (their religion) values.

In January 1979, Islamic fundamentalists (people who believe in strict obedience to religious laws) forced Shah Mohammad Pahlavi to leave Iran. The new ruler, Ayatollah Khomeini was hostile to America and did not like the fact that America had supported Shah Mohammad Pahlavi for so long.

Helpful vocabulary hints:

Shah = name of a ruler, such as a king, emperor, etc.

Muslim= a person who follows the Islamic religion (same as Christians can be Baptist, Catholic, etc.)

Islamic = a person who follows the Islamic religion (Islam)

Fundamentalists = people who believe in strict obedience to religious laws

On your assignment sheet, answer questions: #1-5