Being exploited for so many years fueled hatred of Western powers, which continued to grow as Iranians observed the differences between the prosperity of oil companies and their shortage. “Nationalism was the dominant political idea in Iran” (The New York Times). When Mosaddeq attempted to make Iran independent, foreign powers intervened and prevented Mosaddeq from removing any foreign influence. Had he succeeded, the British would have lost a significant financial investment in Iranian territory, and the United States believed Iran would become communist. These concerns, along with Mosaddeq's refusal to compromise, made a complete regime change seem like the most favorable option. As a result, the United States supported a violent overthrow that brought Mossaddeq from power.