Final answer:
The failure of the Shah’s attempts to democratize Iran was due to internal opposition from conservative Muslims, the unequal benefits of modernization, oppressive secret police actions, and resentment towards the Shah’s alignment with Western interests, especially in the oil industry, leading to the Iranian Revolution and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Shah's attempts to establish a more democratic Iran failed due to a combination of internal resistance and external interests. His modernization programs, including Westernization efforts and enhancement of women's rights, faced strong opposition from conservative Muslims who felt such changes were antithetical to Islamic values. Furthermore, the new cultural and consumer goods benefits were mostly accessible to Iran's elite, exacerbating social inequalities and neglecting the impoverished majority. SAVAK, the Shah's secret police force, was notorious for its brutality against dissenters, instilling fear rather than fostering democratic institutions. The Shah's close alliance with the United States and Western business interests, especially in the oil sector, precipitated national resentment, as many Iranians believed the wealth generated should benefit the broader population. Ultimately, Ayatollah Khomeini's return from exile and the Iranian Revolution toppled the Shah’s regime, giving rise to an Islamic Republic.