Khomeini's Failure Of Martial Law In Iran

However, none of this seemed to be effective, as demonstrators took to streets in even larger numbers and now explicitly demanding the abolition of monarchy. That was why the Shah decided to declare martial law in 12 cities across the country. Nonetheless, people still took part in another protest event in Tehran the day after the declaration, virtually forcing the military’s hand. A bloody confrontation ensued, with soldiers firing directly onto the crowd. This spelled the end of any possibility of an understanding between the two opposing sides.

While the frequency and size of demonstrations spiraled, workers all over the country took industrial action, most importantly in the oil industry. The Shah remained lenient and did practically nothing

In order for all this to happen, he said, there would be negotiations with the opposition to form a democratic government of national reconciliation. It fact, though, there was going to be none, as Khomeini rejected his offer outright.

How did the revolution succeed?

The opposition was effectively in control of Tehran when Ayatollah Khomeini finally decided to fly back to Iran. The turnout for the protests at this time was as much as 10% of the population of the whole country, which has rarely happened elsewhere ever or since. The more liberal and secular factions of the opposition were already concerned with some of the positions taken by Khomeini, but they were under the impression that he was merely a figurehead for the revolution.

The US increasingly got in touch with Khomeini’s supporters, withdrawing its support for the monarchy, as many cabinet members saw its demise imminent. The Shah was running out of options. He appointed a new prime minister, chosen from the secular opposition, while preparing to leave the country. This last tactic was just as fruitless as the previous ones, though. The Ayatollah refused to have anything to do with the new government, and called on his followers to disobey

Immediately after his arrival, he appointed a prime minister for a provisional government.
After the Revolution

4. How did the revolution change Iran?

Soon after street fighting broke out, the Supreme Military Council announced that it was “neutral in the current political disputes,” and the monarchy was no more. The Shah-appointed prime minster fled the country soon afterwards.

However, those who had joined forces against the previous regime soon found themselves disagreeing with each other. Broadly speaking, there were three factions each with their own priorities: Islamic conservatives under the banner of clerics, leftists in several Marxist parties, and liberals and nationalists who made up the National Front.

It soon became clear that clerics had gained the upper hand. Liberals were gradually purged from the government and the parliament, while some Marxist organizations took up arms anew against the revolutionary