The introduction of modern European technology begun by 'Abdor Rahman was furthered by Habibollah. Western ideals and styles penetrated the Afghan royal court and upper classes. An Afghan nationalist, Mahmud Beg Tarzi, published (1911-18) the periodical Seraj ol-Akbar ("Torch of the News"), which had political influence far beyond the boundaries of Afghanistan.

Habibollah Khan visited British India in 1907 as guest of the viceroy of India, Gilbert Elliot, 4th earl of Minto. Impressed with British power, Habibollah resisted pressures from Tarzi, Amanollah (Habibollah's third son, who had married Soraya, a daughter of Tarzi), and others to enter World War I on the side of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria). The peace ending World War I brought death to Habibollah; he was murdered on Feb. 20, 1919, by persons associated with the anti-British movement, and Amanollah seized power.