محمد رضا بهلوي was the last Shah of Iran, ruling from 1941 until his overthrow in 1979. He was born on October 27, 1919, and became the monarch after his father, Reza Shah Pahlavi, was forced to abdicate during World War II. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize and secularize Iran, including significant economic and social reforms. However, his rule faced increasing opposition due to political repression and social inequality. The discontent culminated in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which led to his exile and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.