Hyojong of Joseon vs Mozaffar ad-Din Shah

King Hyojong initiated a plan to invade Qing China to avenge the humiliation of the 1636 surrender. He expanded the army, built fortifications, and stockpiled weapons. The plan was never executed due to Qing power and lack of allies.

Hyojong strengthened the Joseon military by reorganizing the army, improving artillery, and fortifying northern borders. He also promoted the use of matchlock muskets and trained a standing army, preparing for a potential war with Qing.

King Hyojong died suddenly at age 40, possibly from illness or poisoning. His death ended the Northern Expedition plan. His successor Hyeonjong was young, leading to a power vacuum and intensified factional strife.

Mozaffar ad-Din Shah granted a 60-year oil concession to William Knox D'Arcy, giving him exclusive rights to explore and exploit oil in most of Persia. This concession led to the discovery of oil in 1908 and the founding of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which became a major economic and political force.

Mozaffar ad-Din Shah signed the Fundamental Law of Persia, establishing a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament (Majlis). This was a response to the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1906, which demanded limits on royal power and the creation of a representative government.

Mozaffar ad-Din Shah signed the Supplementary Fundamental Laws, which expanded the constitution to include civil rights protections, such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, and established the principle of equality before the law. These laws were enacted shortly before his death.