Part 13/16:
The coup’s success was partly credited to British support, although some historians debate whether it was entirely orchestrated by external powers or a product of internal nationalist forces exploiting the chaos. Regardless, the outcome was clear: the old regime was swept away, and a new government under Prime Minister Za'inal Abedin was established.
The New Direction: Centralization and Resistance
Raza Khan, later known as Reza Khan, quickly moved to consolidate power, imposing martial law, suppressing opposition, banning public gatherings, and cracking down on the press—efforts aimed at establishing a strong, centralized government. He declared his intention to remove foreign influence and tribalism, positioning himself as a nationalist reformer.