The Pahlavi Dynasty (1941-1979) was crucial in the modernization of Iranian history, particularly its higher education. However, the goal of education was "an aristocracy of culture", producing small numbers of technocrats, but not nurturing thoughtful and critical individuals. Rote learning was dominant, and the curriculum was imposed by foreign knowledge and expertise, becoming irrelevant to the cultural and socio-economic aspects of the society, as well its basic needs and demands. This meant that the universities simply could not produce the human resources required by the country. This educational policy provoked the young generation to protest strongly against the foundation of the regime. Eventually, the universities became the center of political activities and were instrumental in the all-encompassing changes that occurred in 1978 and 1979--the Islamic Revolution.