The History of Kuwait: A Timeline of Events in the Middle Eastern Nation
Kuwait is a small nation located in the Middle East, on the Persian Gulf. It is bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and is considered part of the Arab world. The country has a rich history that dates back centuries, and is an important part of the region's culture and identity. In this article, we will take a look at the timeline of events in Kuwait's history.
Pre-1700s: The earliest records of Kuwait's history date back to the 3rd millennium BC, when it was part of the Sumerian civilization. The region was then ruled by various empires, including the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Akkadians, and the Persians.
1700s: In the 1700s, Kuwait became part of the Ottoman Empire, and was ruled by the Ottoman governor of Basra. During this period, Kuwait's economy was largely based on fishing and pearling.
1800s: In the early 1800s, Kuwait was invaded by the Wahhabis, a militant Islamic sect from Saudi Arabia. They destroyed many of the city's buildings and monuments, and imposed a harsh form of Islamic law.
1900s: In 1913, Kuwait became a British protectorate. This allowed the country to gain independence from the Ottoman Empire, and to develop its own government and economy. The British also helped build the port of Kuwait City, which became an important hub for trade.
1961: In 1961, Kuwait declared independence from Britain, and became a sovereign nation. The country's first constitution was written in 1962, and Kuwait held its first elections in 1963.
1990s: In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, and occupied the country for seven months. This led to the Gulf War, in which a coalition of forces led by the United States helped to liberate Kuwait.
Today: Today, Kuwait is a thriving nation with a strong economy. The country has a booming oil industry, and is a major player in the Middle East. Kuwait is also a major political and cultural center, and is home to a diverse population.