Description
Book SynopsisHaving described the rise of Reza Shah in a previous work, Majd completes the story by describing his downfall. Majd has searched the widely scattered U.S. diplomatic and military records extensively and supplemented the story with media reports. Over seventy years later, this interesting story is finally being told.
Trade ReviewThe book August 1941: The Anglo-Russian Occupation of Iran and the Change of Shahs by Mohammad Gholi Majd seems to be a great gift to all historians studying the intricate story of the Allied invasian of Iran. ... The book gives a very detailed description of the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran and even more important, it outlines the long-lasting implications of this military operation for the country. ... August 1941 is a thorough and informative work broadening our knowledge of the Iranian history in the first half of the twentieth century. * Middle Eastern Studies *
The author’s source-based narrative is in several respects the asset of this study. Although his findings are not necessarily new or original, the meticulous account of events provides a useful overview of the diplomatic and military moves of the various protagonists. The extensive quotations from sources save future scholars the effort of consulting the original archival material. Furthermore, such a close look at the original reports enables modern readers to see the events of 1941 through the eyes of contemporary protagonists, and also helps to dispel some popular myths, such as the myth of Reza Shah’s pro-Nazi attitude. Even today, this myth is frequently put forward to justify the violation of Iran’s sovereignty, however Majd’s book shows that there is no substance to the myth as no such allegations are made even in the most propagandistic British or Soviet announcements. . . .Majd has presented a useful book on an under-researched subject, which, as a first source of information or as a book of reference, can render good service to both scholars and students. * Iranian Studies *
Table of Contents1. Introduction & Overview 2. The Façade of “Modern Iran” on the Eve of World War II 3. “A Review of the Joint British-Soviet Actions Against Iran” 4. Iran’s Relations with the Great Powers at the Onset of World War II 5. Impact of German Victories on the Western Front 6. British Occupation of Iraq & German Invasion of Russia: Onset of Anglo-Soviet Pressure 7. The Anglo-Russian Ultimatum 8. British Diplomacy on the Invasion of Iran 9. Soviet Diplomacy on the Invasion of Iran 10. Iranian Appeals to Washington 11. The Invasion of Iran: “The Eighty-Hour War” 12. Developments in Tehran & Reza Shah’s Crumbling Rule 13. Change of Shahs & Military Occupation of Tehran 14. Political Developments in Tehran 15. A “New Deal” Index
