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Which of the following was the most important contributing factor to the outbreak of the Iranian Revolution in 1979?

  1. A. The desire to create a Westernized, secular state on the model of Turkey

  2. B. The desire to restore Islamic fundamentalist theology as a political force

  3. C. The desire to liberate Iran from the political and economic control of the Soviet Union

  4. D. The desire to nationalize oil fields to economically support a military regime

The correct answer is: B. The desire to restore Islamic fundamentalist theology as a political force

The most important contributing factor to the outbreak of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 was the desire to restore Islamic fundamentalist theology as a political force. This revolution was largely driven by widespread discontent with the ruling Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose regime was seen as repressive, corrupt, and excessively Westernized. Many Iranians, particularly religious leaders and their supporters, sought to reinstate Islam as the foundation of governance, viewing the Shah's policies as a betrayal of Iranian culture and Islamic values. Ayatollah Khomeini, a key figure in the revolution, emphasized the need for an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, which resonated with a populace that felt alienated by the secularizing policies and Western influences of the Shah's rule. This desire for returning to traditional Islamic principles ultimately galvanized various segments of society, uniting them against the monarchy and leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The other choices reflect factors that were present in the socio-political landscape but did not play as central a role as the push for Islamic governance. For example, while there was indeed significant opposition to Westernization, particularly among the clergy, the primary motivating force was the desire to implement a government based on Islamic