Two Parties, One Coup · Episode 1 of 6 · 19 min
Why Truman Refused to Overthrow Iran's Mosaddegh
In 1951 Iran nationalized the oil industry long controlled by a British company, and Britain answered with an embargo and pressure on Washington to help remove Mosaddegh. President Truman refused to back intervention and tried mediation instead, even hosting Mosaddegh in Washington. The episode shows a road not taken and sets up the series' central question.
Who's who
- Mohammad Mosaddegh+6 more episodesDemocratically elected prime minister of Iran who nationalized its oil
- Harry S. Truman+14 more episodesDemocratic U.S. president who resisted British calls for intervention and favored mediation
- Dean AchesonTruman's Secretary of State, who described London's mood as belligerent
- Winston Churchill+3 more episodesBritish prime minister whose 1951 return hardened London's stance
Where it happens
- Abadan, Iran+1 more episodeSite of the Abadan Crisis over British-controlled oil
- Tehran, Iran+7 more episodesIran's capital, where Mosaddegh led the nationalization drive
- Washington, D.C.+31 more episodesWhere Truman hosted Mosaddegh seeking a negotiated settlement
- London, England+7 more episodesSeat of Britain's push for force against Iran
Timeline
- 1908Oil is discovered in Iran, leading to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, later Anglo-Iranian.
- March 1951Iran's parliament moves to nationalize the oil industry.
- April 1951Mosaddegh becomes prime minister.
- May 1951The oil nationalization law is enacted.
- 1951-1952Britain withdraws technicians and organizes a worldwide embargo; Truman refuses military action and tries mediation.
- October 1952Britain breaks relations with Iran and begins approaching Washington about a coup.
Still debated
Mediation failed because Mosaddegh rejected any deal returning the British to Iran's oil. Historians still weigh whether Truman's restraint reflected principle or circumstance, and whether Iran's democracy could have survived without the later coup.
Connected episodes in other series
Why Iran Once Trusted America: Oil, Empire & Mosaddegh's RiseIran & America: A Century and Counting · Episode 1Also features Harry S. Truman, Mohammad Mosaddegh
The Fog That StayedThe Invisible Bill · Episode 2Also features Harry S. Truman
Greeting, DoctorThe Physician to Soldier Pipeline · Episode 10Also features Harry S. Truman
How White Evangelicals Moved From Democrat to RepublicanA Wall of Separation · Episode 7Also features Harry S. Truman