| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Abstract World War II (1939-1945 AD/1318-1324 SH) w:as char:acterized by profound transformations across political, social, and economic spheres globally. In Iran, the Allied occupation beginning in 1941 (1320 SH) precipitated a severe economic crisis that persisted until 1946 (1325 SH), coinciding with the withdrawal of foreign troops. During this tumultuous period, the Iranian government implemented a policy of state monopoly in commerce, particularly concerning essential goods, in an effort to manage the deteriorating economic situation. However, the consequences of this policy—whether it exacerbated or alleviated the crisis—warrant thorough investigation. This research employed a descriptive-analytical approach, utilizing a diverse array of documentary and library sources to explore the central question: How effective was the state monopoly policy in managing Iran's economic crisis from 1941 to 1946 (1320-1325 SH)? The study critically evaluated the efficacy of this policy, illuminating its implications for the Iranian economy. The hypothesis presented in this research posited that the state monopoly policy not only failed to alleviate the economic crisis, but also contributed to deepening of the crisis by fostering rent-seeking behavior, administrative corruption, and an intensified shortage of essential goods. The findings indicated that the state's monopolistic control over essential commodities restricted supply, leading to the proliferation of rent-seeking, emergence of black markets, and ultimately, rampant inflation. As a result, the government's failure to meet the basic needs of the populace became increasingly apparent. Keywords: World War II, Allies, Economic Crisis, State Monopoly, Economic Rent-Seeking, Financial Corruption. Introduction This study offered a comprehensive analysis of state monopoly policies and their impacts on managing the economic crisis in Iran during World War II (1941–1946). Employing a historical-analytical methodology, the research extensively utilized archival documents, contemporary newspapers, and memoirs of key political and economic figures to critically assess the government's monopolistic control over essential commodities. Understanding the wartime context was crucial for grasping how external pressures shaped domestic policies and this study aimed to unravel the complex interplay between these factors. The consequences of the Allied occupation were profound, resulting in widespread shortages of essential goods and inflation that devastated the Iranian economy. As the government attempted to exert control over the market through monopolistic practices, the existing literature indicated a multifaceted response from the public and various interest groups, each navigating the crisis in distinct ways. This study sought to dissect these responses, illuminating the nuances of economic policy and its broader implications for Iranian society. Materials & Methods This research employed a historical-analytical methodology, examining a variety of sources to develop a nuanced understanding of the economic landscape in Iran during this period. The primary materials included: Price Records (1941-1946): Detailed records of commodity prices were analyzed to identify fluctuations and trends, particularly for essential goods, such as sugar, rice, and textiles. Contemporary Economic Periodicals: Articles and reports from the era provided valuable insights into public discourse and perceptions regarding state policies and their effectiveness. Memoirs of Key Figures: Personal accounts from political and economic leaders of the time offered critical perspectives on the motivations behind policy decisions and their real-world implications. The quantitative analysis concentrated on price fluctuations, while qualitative assessments evaluated policy outcomes through primary documents. All data were sourced exclusively from cited Persian materials, ensuring both authenticity and relevance to the Iranian context. Research Findings The findings revealed that Iran's centralized monopoly system—implemented for critical goods—failed to alleviate the economic crisis triggered by the Allied occupation; instead, it institutionalized systemic inefficiencies that exacerbated socioeconomic instability. For instance, price analyses indicated hyperinflationary trends with sugar prices skyrocketing from 6 rials per kilogram in 1941 to 141 rials per kilogram by 1943 and tea prices surging from 15 rials to 400 rials per kilogram during the same period. These figures underscored the profound impact of monopolistic controls on market dynamics and consumer access. Archival evidence demonstrated that state monopolies, rather than ensuring public welfare, became tools for rent-seeking among privileged networks. These groups exploited their exclusive control to divert goods to black markets, selling them at exorbitant prices. Such practices not only intensified wealth inequality, but also severely restricted public access to essential necessities, creating a stark divide between privileged and marginalized communities. The social consequences of these economic policies were equally significant. As the state struggled to fulfill its obligation to provide for its citizens, public discontent began to grow. Protests and formal complaints documented in primary sources reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the government's inability to ensure equitable access to essential goods. This erosion of trust further compounded the challenges faced by the Iranian government as citizens resorted to alternative means of survival in response to systemic failure. Discussion of Results & Conclusion This research demonstrated how excessive state intervention—especially in the absence of transparent oversight—could lead to counterproductive outcomes. Historical documents confirmed that Iran's monopoly system exemplified "government failure", where crisis management policies exacerbated the very issues they aimed to resolve. The monopolistic control over essential goods restricted supply and created an environment conducive to corruption and exploitation. The study further explored the sociopolitical implications of these economic policies. The rise of black markets and failures in distribution not only undermined public trust in institutions, but also intensified existing social tensions. The government's inability to meet the needs of its citizens fostered a pervasive sense of helplessness among the populace, further fueling resentment toward the authorities. By contextualizing Iran's wartime economic policies within broader discussions on state intervention, this study offered critical lessons for contemporary policymakers. It emphasized the importance of implementing monopolistic controls alongside robust institutional safeguards to prevent the emergence of rent-seeking behaviors, market distortions, and a decline in public confidence. The historical case of Iran during World War II serves as a cautionary tale for crisis governance in rentier economies, illustrating the potential pitfalls of state monopolies during times of economic distress. In conclusion, this research underscored the complexities of managing economic crises within the framework of state intervention. The lessons gleaned from Iran's experience during World War II were not only relevant for understanding the past, but also for informing current policy decisions in similar contexts. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and public welfare, future policymakers can work to avoid the mistakes of the past and cultivate a more equitable economic landscape. |