ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the nature of dependence in Qajar Iran and discusses from the external political and economic relations of Iran with Britain, Russia, and other countries to internal economic developments in Iran's three modes of production. Between 1630 and 1800, virtually no changes had taken place in either the fundamental modes of production, or their constituent classes, within the Iranian social formation. The half-century from 1863 to 1914 witnessed a senes of "concessions" to exploit or monopolize raw materials and infrastructural development in Iran, granted to both English and Russian subjects and their governments. The composition of Iran's trade also changed dramatically toward a classic "colonial" pattern by the early twentieth century. The urban population is said to have grown from 10-14 percent of the total population of Iran in 1800 to 20-25 percent by 1914. The Qajars had moved from a situation of unpopularity within Iran to one of spreading belief in their patent illegitimacy.
