In the ancient world, the landthat would become known as Iran

was known as Persia.

In 1935, the land became officially known as Iran.

Iran was rich in oil and oil had attracted the British and

the Russians.

In fact, the British and Russians had divided Iran into spheres of influence in 1907.

The U.S. also became increasinglyinterested in Iran after the

Second World War.

In 1953, the U.S. and Great Britain helped overthrow the

Prime Minister of Iran.

Prime Minister, MohammedMossaddegh, was not openlyhostile to the Communists.

And during the Cold War, thePrime Minister’s views were

considered a threat to American interests.

By the time, Mossadegh nationalized the oil fields,the C.I.A. took action andremoved him from power.

In the Prime Minister’s place,Shah Reza Pahlavi was installed

as the new leader of Iran.

The Shah encouraged Westernization and secularism.

The Shah cracked down ondissenters.

But the Shah was unpopularand an opposition movementled by Ayatollah Khomeinibecame very popular.

By 1979, the Shah had beenousted, Americans had beentaken hostages in Iran, andthe Ayatollah came to power.

An Islamic fundamentalistgovernment was established.

In this fundamentalist, Islamictheocracy, women wereforced to cover their bodiesand were segregated frommen in public.

Freedom of speech andassembly were restricted.

After the 2009 elections, protests erupted in Iran

for democracy.

But protesters were harshlypunished.

Yes, the history of Iran isa history of many changes.