A Comparative Analysis of Shuster and Millspaugh's Activities in Iran: Challenges and Results

Document Type : .

Authors

1 Guilan Study Institute University Of Guilan Rasht-Iran

2 Postdoctoral Researcher, History of Iran after Islam, Al-Zahra University,

10.30465/ehs.2025.52911.2065
Abstract
Documents and press of the late Qajar era show that Iranians had an optimistic approach towards the Americans. These views were one of the main factors in inviting American advisors during the period. The presence of Schuster and then Millspaugh in Iran with the aim of administrative and economic reforms was the first experience of relations that influenced the subsequent developments in Iran with the United States. Schuster entered Iran at a time when the Russians were practically the most influential foreign force in Iran and the Second Majlis, which hosted Schuster, did not have much power. While Millspaugh's presence in Iran coincided with the political decline of the Russians, his actions were influenced by his policies, especially during the reign of Reza Shah. Millspaugh's second period of presence also took place in the shadow of the occupation of Iran by the Allies, however, given the experience he had gained from the Reza Shah era, he did not pay much attention to the Majlis and the atmosphere of Iranian society, as a result, Millspaugh's second period was less successful and he was eventually forced to leave Iran.

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Volume 14, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
December 2025
Pages 361-394

  • Receive Date 20 September 2025
  • Revise Date 17 October 2025
  • Accept Date 23 November 2025