Anglo-Soviet Invasion

Definition

The Anglo-Soviet Invasion refers to the joint military operation conducted by British and Soviet forces in 1941 to invade and occupy Iran during World War II. This operation aimed to secure oil supplies and ensure a supply route to the Soviet Union, while also preventing Axis powers from gaining influence in the region. The invasion marked a significant moment in the Middle East during the war, reshaping geopolitical dynamics and influencing post-war arrangements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion began on August 25, 1941, with British forces attacking from the south and Soviets from the north.
2. The primary motivation behind the invasion was to secure Iranian oil fields, which were vital for both British and Soviet wartime efforts.
3. Reza Shah was forced to abdicate as a result of the invasion, leading to the installation of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, as the new monarch.
4. Iran was declared neutral during World War II, but its strategic location made it an important area for both Allied powers.
5. The occupation facilitated the establishment of the Persian Corridor, which became crucial for transporting supplies to the Soviet Union throughout the war.

Review Questions

• What were the primary objectives of the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran in 1941, and how did these objectives reflect broader wartime strategies?
  • The primary objectives of the Anglo-Soviet invasion were to secure Iranian oil fields and establish a supply route to support the Soviet Union in its fight against Axis powers. These goals reflected broader wartime strategies as both Britain and the Soviet Union sought to enhance their military capabilities while preventing enemy powers from gaining access to valuable resources. The invasion demonstrated a cooperative approach between two former rivals in response to a common threat.
• Discuss how the outcome of the Anglo-Soviet invasion impacted Iran’s political landscape, particularly concerning Reza Shah's abdication.
  • The outcome of the Anglo-Soviet invasion had profound implications for Iran's political landscape. Reza Shah Pahlavi's abdication was a direct consequence of foreign intervention, as both British and Soviet forces viewed him as a liability due to his pro-German sympathies. His removal allowed for a shift in power that led to his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, taking over, setting a new course for Iranian politics that would later impact regional stability and relations with Western powers.
• Evaluate the significance of establishing the Persian Corridor during World War II and its long-term effects on international relations in the Middle East.
  • Establishing the Persian Corridor was significant as it enabled the Allies to effectively supply and support Soviet forces against Nazi Germany, thereby altering the dynamics of World War II. This corridor not only facilitated military logistics but also led to increased foreign influence in Iran. In the long term, this set a precedent for future foreign interventions in Iranian affairs and shaped international relations in the Middle East, contributing to tensions that would surface during later decades.

Related terms

Operation Countenance: The code name for the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran in August 1941, which involved rapid military advances to secure key locations.

Reza Shah Pahlavi:

The monarch of Iran at the time of the invasion, whose pro-German stance prompted concern from both Britain and the Soviet Union.

Persian Corridor:

A supply route through Iran used by the Allies to transport goods and military supplies to the Soviet Union during World War II.