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Attempts to modernize Iranian Society under the Qajar rule is one the essential characteristics of the nineteenth century Iran. As lTIOre Iranians became increasingly aware of their backward conditions on the one hand, and progress which other nations notably the western countries had made, many of them sought to reform their country. Mirza Easa and Mirza Aboulghasem Qaemnlagham who both hold high offices in the Qajar court were the first reformers. Then came the others: the Crown Prince Abbas Mirza, Amir Kabier, Sepahsalar, Aminuldoleh, Malkam khan and others followed the Qaemmaghams footsteps. The
constitutional revolution (1906) was the last attempt to reform.
That too, failed to lTIodernize Iran. The failure of the reform
movements led to the eventual downfall of the Qajar dynasty after nearly] 40 years of their absolute rule. This article has tried to exmTIine the underlying causes of the most serious reform movelnents which was launched by the reformist chancellor Amir
Kabier. The article has in partiular tries to question the wisdom of some of Amir's decisions and policies.