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Unveiling the History of the Second World War in Iran and Iraq

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Published in Persian Gulf Command: A History Of The Second World War In Iran And Iraq

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A Journey Through a Pivotal Conflict

A Map Of Iran And Iraq During The Second World War, Showing The Major Battlefronts And Troop Movements Persian Gulf Command: A History Of The Second World War In Iran And Iraq

Persian Gulf Command: A History of the Second World War in Iran and Iraq

by Eric Hammel

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Second World War, the most devastating conflict in human history, had a profound impact on the Middle East, including the nations of Iran and Iraq. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the war in these countries, exploring its causes, key events, turning points, and the lasting consequences it had on the region.

Prelude to War:

The origins of the Second World War in Iran and Iraq can be traced back to the rise of Fascism and Nazism in Europe in the 1930s. Both countries had been under the influence of European powers, with Iran being a protectorate of Great Britain and Iraq under the mandate of the League of Nations. However, as the war approached, both nations sought to assert their independence and neutrality.

Invasion and Occupation:

In August 1941, despite their declared neutrality, Iran and Iraq were invaded by allied forces from Britain, the Soviet Union, and other Commonwealth nations. The invasion aimed to secure the flow of oil from the region to the war effort and to prevent the Axis powers from gaining a foothold in the Middle East.

The Iranian army, ill-prepared for modern warfare, was quickly overwhelmed. The country was occupied, and the Shah was overthrown. Iraq initially resisted the invasion but eventually surrendered in May 1941. The country was placed under British military administration.

The Resistance and the Liberation:

The occupation of Iran and Iraq sparked nationalistic resistance movements. In Iran, the Tudeh Party, a communist organization, played a key role in organizing protests and guerrilla warfare against the occupying forces.

In Iraq, a nationalist uprising led by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani in 1941 was met with a brutal British response. However, with the tide of the war turning in favor of the Allies, British forces gradually withdrew from Iraq, and the country regained its independence in 1945.

The Post-War Era:

The end of the Second World War left Iran and Iraq with profound changes. Both countries had been politically and economically weakened by the conflict. The war had also contributed to the rise of nationalistic and anti-Western sentiments.

In Iran, the Tudeh Party emerged as a powerful force in post-war politics. However, the Cold War and the growing influence of the United States in the region led to its eventual suppression. Iraq also experienced political instability and a series of military coups.

Legacy and Impact:

The Second World War in Iran and Iraq had a lasting impact on the region. The conflict contributed to the weakening of European colonial powers and the rise of nationalistic movements. It also shaped the political and economic landscape of the region for decades to come.

The war also left a legacy of social and economic challenges. The destruction and displacement caused by the conflict had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people. The war also contributed to the region's growing dependence on oil, which has had both positive and negative consequences.

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The history of the Second World War in Iran and Iraq is a complex and fascinating story that offers valuable insights into the region's past, present, and future. By understanding the key events, turning points, and lasting consequences of this conflict, we can better appreciate its impact on the lives of its people and the broader course of world history.

Persian Gulf Command: A History of the Second World War in Iran and Iraq

by Eric Hammel

4.4 out of 5