Iran underwent major economic changes in the twentieth century, but these have to date largely been studied in the context of oil, centralization and revolutions. This book examines Iran’s economic development and the people who made it possible, from the late Qajar period to the Revolution of 1979. Containing a wide spectrum of historical viewpoints and methodologies, the book uses previously understudied Iranian archives to examine the economic and labour history of Iran together. By doing so, the chapters in the book show that Iranian workers had distinct experiences, depending on the sector and decade of their employment. Other topics covered include the private sector, the emergence of social security, the effects of economic development on ‘traditional’ workers and the role of other local economic actors particular to Iran in development, family businesses, international trade relations, worker histories and events in the provinces. It will be of appeal to scholars and students of the history, economics, labour, sociology and politics of Iran and the Middle East.