Anglo-Persian Agreement

Definition

The Anglo-Persian Agreement was a pivotal 1919 treaty between the United Kingdom and Persia (modern-day Iran) that aimed to establish British control over Iranian military and foreign affairs while providing Persia with financial assistance. This agreement emerged in the context of World War I and marked a significant step in the British strategy to secure their interests in the region, particularly concerning oil resources, which were becoming increasingly vital to modern economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Anglo-Persian Agreement was signed on March 21, 1919, amid political turmoil in Persia following World War I.
2. This agreement aimed to give Britain control over Persian military and foreign affairs for an initial period of 20 years, reflecting Britain's strategic interests in the region.
3. Public opposition in Persia to the agreement led to widespread protests and significantly undermined the legitimacy of the Iranian government at the time.
4. The agreement was never ratified by the Persian parliament due to strong nationalist sentiments and opposition from key political figures, illustrating growing resistance to foreign domination.
5. The failure of the Anglo-Persian Agreement paved the way for increased nationalist movements in Iran, ultimately contributing to the rise of Reza Shah Pahlavi and the establishment of a more independent Iranian state.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the Anglo-Persian Agreement, and how did it reflect British interests in Iran during the early 20th century?
  • The main objectives of the Anglo-Persian Agreement were to solidify British control over Iran's military and foreign affairs while providing financial support to Persia. This reflected British interests in securing oil resources crucial for their naval power and economic stability, especially post-World War I. The agreement was a strategic move to counteract growing Russian influence in the region and maintain British hegemony over Middle Eastern oil.
• Discuss the reactions within Persia to the Anglo-Persian Agreement and how these reactions influenced its eventual outcome.
  • Reactions within Persia to the Anglo-Persian Agreement were overwhelmingly negative, leading to protests and widespread public dissent against foreign interference. Nationalist leaders viewed the agreement as an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, which galvanized opposition against both foreign powers and the ruling government. The strong pushback ultimately resulted in the agreement never being ratified by the Persian parliament, highlighting a critical moment of national awakening against colonialism.
• Evaluate how the failure of the Anglo-Persian Agreement influenced subsequent political developments in Iran during the early 20th century.
  • The failure of the Anglo-Persian Agreement had profound implications for Iran's political landscape, as it sparked a wave of nationalism that rejected foreign dominance. This discontent contributed to the rise of influential leaders like Reza Shah Pahlavi, who sought to modernize Iran and reduce outside influence. The rejection of such agreements laid the groundwork for greater efforts toward national sovereignty, leading to significant shifts in Iranian politics and society as people rallied around ideas of independence and modernization.

Related terms

Anglo-Iranian Oil Company: A British company established in 1908 that became a major player in the extraction and export of Iranian oil, shaping Iran's economy and foreign relations.

Treaty of Turkmenchay: A treaty signed in 1828 between Russia and Persia that resulted in significant territorial losses for Persia and set the stage for increased foreign influence in Iranian affairs.

Reza Shah Pahlavi: The monarch who ruled Iran from 1925 to 1941 and played a crucial role in modernizing the country and reducing foreign influence, including the terms of agreements like the Anglo-Persian Agreement.