Reza Shah Pahlavi was the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran and served as the country's monarch from 1925 until 1941. He is known for modernizing Iran, implementing various reforms in education, infrastructure, and industry. His efforts aimed to transform Iran into a more secular and centralized state. Reza Shah's reign faced criticism for authoritarian practices and suppression of political dissent. During World War II, he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, due to pressures from the Allied powers. Reza Shah died in exile in 1944.