History:
Kuwait's modern history began in the early 18th century, when
several clans from the Al Aniza tribe migrated to the northern shore
of the Gulf from Saudia Arabia. Their economic prosperity was based on
fishing, pearling, and trade. Eventually the Al Sabah emerged as the
dominant clan, and were formally established as rulers in 1756.
By the late 19th century, however, fears of growing Ottoman influence
led Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah (r.1896-1915) to enter into an agreement
with Great Britain, which effectively established Kuwait as an
autonomous British protectorate. Under the 1899 agreement, Kuwait
maintained control over its internal affairs, while Great Britain
assumed responsibility for the country's security and foreign
relations.
In the mid-1930s work began on the development of Kuwait's
petroleum industry, the basis of the country's modern prosperity. Oil
was first discovered in Kuwait in 1938. The commercial export of crude
oil began in June 1946. By the 1960s Kuwait enjoyed a level of
economic development that made it one of the richest states in the
world on a per capita basis. In 1963 Kuwait became a member of the
United Nations.
In the early hours of August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. What
followed was seven months of brutal occupation of Kuwait by the Iraqi
forces. It was a period of agony and suffering. A UN-backed military
operation began on January 17, 1991. 18 countries joined the operation
which took 42 days to oust the Iraqi occupation force. Kuwait was
finally liberated on February 26, 1991.
However, most services and operations were restored in record
time. The present day Kuwait shows no sign of the arson and vandalism
the Iraqis left behind.