Chapter 1: History Flashcards
The act of what created new bonds between the tribes?
Migrating and establishing a new community
*When did Kuwait gain its independence?
June 19,1961
Which tribe built the town of Kuwait?
Bani Khaled
What does Kuwait or grain mean?
Small castle / Fort
Which century did the Utub family arrive in Kuwait and where did they come from?
18th century, Central Arabia
Did all of the Utub settle in Kuwait?
No, some settled in Qatar and Bahrain
What does Utub mean?
Travel form place 2 place
Were the Utubs always considered a tribe?
No, they were loosely bound interrelated families, they had the identity of one tribe when they arrived in Kuwait
How did Kuwait originally begin earning a living?
Pearl diving, boat building, and trade
Which 2 areas were close trade partners of Kuwait in 18th century?
India & Africa
Kuwait was an important stop on trade routes of (which countries) going to (which area)
India
Persia
Arabia
Going to Europe
What benefit did Bani Khaled give to Kuwait?
Allowed Kuwait the space to grow
Offered protection from outside threats
How did Kuwait initially survive and develop a degree of autonomy given that it was a small area, and its location vulnerable to external powers?
Careful Diplomacy-(shifted alliance between Ottomans, European traders, and surrounding tribes according to needs)
Manipulation of local power
How did Utub rule Kuwait?
By adding political institutions (leadership being most important)
Who was the first Ruler of Kuwait and what was his family’s role?
Sheikh Sabah I
Explicit political functions (diplomatic relations and city security)
What were the three families of the Utub and their role?
Al Khalifah- sea industries (trading+ pearl)
Jalamah- coastal security
Sabah- diplomatic relations and city security
Who was the second sheikh of Kuwait?
Abdullah I
Why did Al Khalifah leave Kuwait?
They had a disagreement with Al-Sabah, wanted political power as well
Wanted to become wealthier merchants
(Left to Bahrain eventually)
*it was acceptable at that time for migration to take place
Is it true that the conflict with Al-Khalifah was severed after they left?
No, they maintained good relations after they left
Were the early Al-Sabah leaders absolute rulers?
No, they consulted with Al-Utub family
Also had good relations with nomadic tribes ( Bedouin)
These relations formed the basis of 20th century alliances
Were the Wahhabis considered allies during Abdullah I rule?
No, they posed a serious threat
Only fortified internal defenders and new external alliances saved them
Who was the first Sheikh that established relations with British East Indian Company, in which year, and what prompted the relations?
Sheikh Abdullah I in 1775 when Persians occupied Basra
Britain felt threatened by the Persians and routed their trade through Kuwait
Sheikh Abdullah housed the company’s Basra representatives for 2 years
*In return Britain protected Kuwait form Wahhabi attack
Who responded to the Wahhabi expansion and in which year?
The Ottomans, encouraged Mohammed Ali to launch an attack on them in 1881
How did Sheikh Abdullah II turn towards the Ottomans, and in which year?
By approaching them in a Kuwaiti alliance in exchange for autonomy
Even accepted the title of qaimmaqam )provincial governor) in 1871
Which Sheikh severed Ottoman- Kuwaiti alliance?
Sheikh Mobarak
Who is considered the founder of modern Kuwait?
Sheikh Mobarak
How did Sheikh Mobarak begin his political career?
As the charge of desert security and tribal relations under Sheikh Mohammed rule
How did Sheikh Mobarak overthrow his brother Mohammed?, and in which year?
By coupling ambitions with popular, tribal and merchant dissatisfaction with Mohammed
(Had a fear that Mohammed’s pro Ottoman policies risked Kuwait becoming part of Ottoman Empire)
1896
Which entities were concerned with Mubark’s rise to power?
The ottomans Ottoman allies (such as Al-Rashid tribe)
Which powers became Kuwait’s new allies after Mubarak came into power?
Al Saud- were given refuge
Ibn Saud spend time in Mubarak’s court
Britain- with a formal alliance
What was the major factors that prompted Britain to develop ties to Kuwait?
Safeguarding trade routes to India (Ottomans plans in the area) *Ottoman allowance to Germany for constructional a Berlin- Baghdad railroad with a line to Kuwait!
*MOST IMP FACTOR
What date did Mobarak sign a treaty with Britain?, and what were the terms?
January 23, 1899
Britain supported Kuwait against Ottoman opposition in exchange for
Exclusive relationship with Britain
British control of Kuwait’s foreign policy
How did Mubarak send expeditions against Al-Rashid and why?
With help of Britain
Because they were enemies of Ibn Saud (Mubarak’s ally)
When was the first political agent sent to Kuwait?
1904
By the time Mubarak died in 1915, Kuwait was a strong ally of Britain