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Episode 78 · Middle East

78. Iran 101 Part 1/3: Shahs, Oil, and Foreign Powers (1800s-1953)

45 min·February 24, 2026·101 Episode

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Show notes

What you'll hear

This is Part 1 of 3 of the Iran 101 series: a foundational history of Iran for those who know little to nothing about Iranian history. This episode covers the 1800s to the 1953 coup.


For a FREE downloadable PDF outline of this episode, go to patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. If you are not a Patreon member, you may have to sign in, but you do not have to pay for this one.


*Correction: When discussing the AIOC (Anglo Iranian Oil Company)'s revenue, I say 40 million dollars, but I what I meant is 40 million euros. 


Sources used in making this episode.

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Topics covered

Colonialism & ImperialismRevolutionTrade & EconomicsEducation & KnowledgeMonarchyAuthoritarianism