Late 19th & Early 20th Century: The British Influence on Iran

By Dr. Tim Orr

Understanding the history of British influence in Iran is essential for making sense of today's world. The actions and decisions made over a century ago still affect current global politics, especially in the Middle East. We can see the roots of many current issues by looking at how Britain secured oil interests and shaped Iran's economy and politics. This helps us understand why there are tensions today and guides us in making better decisions for the future.

British Interests in the 18th Century

Early Diplomatic Relations

British interest in Iran began in the 18th century, primarily driven by the desire to secure trade routes and expand influence in the region. The British East India Company, established in 1600, played a significant role in establishing initial contact with Persia (Iran). The Company sought to create a strategic partnership to counterbalance the influence of other European powers, particularly the Dutch and the French, in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf regions (Riddick, 2006).

In the early 18th century, the Safavid dynasty, which had ruled Iran for over two centuries, was in decline. This period of instability presented opportunities for European powers to establish and expand their influence. The British East India Company established trading posts along the Persian Gulf, aiming to secure a foothold in the lucrative trade networks of the region (Axworthy, 2010).

The Treaty of 1801

One of the significant early diplomatic engagements between Britain and Iran was the Treaty of 1801, signed during the rule of the Qajar dynasty. The treaty primarily responded to the growing threat posed by Napoleon's expansionist ambitions in the region. Napoleon sought to disrupt British trade routes and weaken their colonial hold in India by forging alliances with regional powers, including Iran (Ansari, 2012).

The Treaty of 1801 established a defensive alliance between Britain and Iran, aiming to counter French influence. Britain provided military aid and expertise to modernize the Persian army in return for Iranian support. This alliance began a more formalized and strategic relationship between the two nations, setting the stage for future British influence in Iranian affairs (Ansari, 2012).

British Influence in the Early 19th Century

The Russo-Persian Wars

In the early 19th century, Iran faced significant threats from the north, primarily from the Russian Empire. The Russo-Persian Wars (1804-1813 and 1826-1828) resulted in substantial territorial losses for Iran, including the cession of Georgia, Dagestan, and parts of Azerbaijan to Russia. These defeats weakened Iran's political and military power, making it more reliant on foreign alliances for survival (Kazemzadeh, 1991).

Britain, seeking to counter Russian expansion and protect its regional interests, increased its support for Iran during this period. The British provided military advisors, financial assistance, and diplomatic backing to bolster Iran's resistance against Russian advances. This support was part of a broader strategy to maintain a regional power balance and prevent any nation from dominating the strategic corridor between Europe and India (Kazemzadeh, 1991).

The Treaty of Gulistan and the Treaty of Turkmenchay

The Treaty of Gulistan (1813) and the Treaty of Turkmenchay (1828) formalized Iran's territorial losses to Russia. These treaties ceded significant territories to Russia and imposed heavy reparations on Iran, further weakening its economy and political stability. The British saw these developments as threatening their strategic interests and increased their involvement in Iranian affairs to counterbalance Russian influence (Kazemzadeh, 1991).

The Great Game

The early 19th century also saw the emergence of the "Great Game," a strategic rivalry between the British and Russian empires for supremacy in Central Asia. Iran, situated between the two great powers, became a focal point of this geopolitical struggle. The British sought to prevent Russian advances towards India, their most prized colony, by strengthening their influence in Iran and surrounding regions (Hopkirk, 1992).

The British East India Company was crucial in shaping British policy towards Iran during this period. The Company, driven by commercial and strategic interests, advocated for a strong British presence in the region to protect trade routes and counter Russian expansion. This increased diplomatic, military, and economic engagements with Iran, further entrenching British influence (Hopkirk, 1992).

Economic Interests and Trade

While strategic concerns dominated British policy, economic interests also significantly shaped their involvement in Iran. The British East India Company sought to control and expand trade routes that passed through the Persian Gulf, connecting India with Europe. Iran's geographical position made it a critical transit point for goods, and securing favorable trade terms with Iran was a priority for the British (Axworthy, 2010).

The British also sought to tap into Iran's resources, including its nascent oil industry. Although large-scale oil exploration did not begin until the early 20th century, British interests in Iran's natural resources laid the groundwork for future exploitation. These economic interests further intertwined with strategic and political considerations, solidifying British regional influence (Ferrier, 1982).

Conclusion

The late 18th and early 19th centuries were formative periods in British influence in Iran. Driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests, Britain established a significant presence in the region. The treaties and alliances forged during this time set the stage for future interactions and laid the groundwork for the complex and often contentious relationship between the two nations.

Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the roots of modern geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. The legacy of British influence, shaped by the strategic imperatives of the "Great Game" and the pursuit of economic interests, continues to impact Iran's political and economic landscape today. As we navigate contemporary international relations, this historical perspective provides valuable insights into the enduring effects of colonialism and foreign intervention.

References

Ansari, A. M. (2012). The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press.

Axworthy, M. (2010). A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind. Basic Books.

Ferrier, R. W. (1982). The History of the British Petroleum Company: Volume 1, The Developing Years, 1901-1932. Cambridge University Press.

Hopkirk, P. (1992). The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia. Kodansha International.

Kazemzadeh, F. (1991). Russia and Britain in Persia: Imperial Ambitions in Qajar Iran. I.B. Tauris.

Riddick, J. F. (2006). The History of British India: A Chronology. Praeger.

Slot, B. J. (1991). The Origins of Kuwait. Brill