| Autocracy, Modernization, and Revolution in Russia and Iran Subjects: Soviet Union -- History -- Revolution 1917–1921 -- Causes; Iran -- History -- Revolution 1979 -- Causes; Soviet Union -- Social conditions -- 1801–1917; Iran -- Social conditions; What did the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Iranian revolution of 1978-1979 share besides their drama? How can we compare a revolution led by Lenin with one inspired by Khomeini? How is a revolution based primarily on the urban working class similar to one founded to a significant degree on traditional groups like the bazaaris, small craftsmen, and religious students and preachers? Identifying a distinctive route to modernity--autocratic modernization--Tim McDaniel explores the dilemmas inherent in the efforts of autocratic monarchies in Russia and Iran to transform their countries into modern industrial societies. |