The Persian Gulf War, also known as the Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm, was an international conflict that lasted from August 1990 to February 1991. The war was fought between Iraq and a coalition of 35 countries led by the United States. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 sparked the conflict. The United Nations Security Council condemned the invasion and authorized the use of force to expel Iraq from Kuwait. The war ended with the liberation of Kuwait and the expulsion of Iraqi forces.
The Persian Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War was an international conflict that began in August 1990, when Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait. A United Nations (UN) coalition led by the United States responded by launching an air campaign against Iraq, followed by a ground offensive that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in February 1991.
Causes of the War
- Iraq’s claim to Kuwait, which Iraq asserted was historically part of Iraq.
- Kuwait’s refusal to forgive Iraqi debt from the Iran-Iraq War.
- Iraq’s desire to control Kuwait’s oil reserves.
UN Resolution and Coalition Buildup
- The UN Security Council passed Resolution 660, demanding Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait.
- A coalition of 35 countries, including the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, formed to enforce the resolution.
Air Campaign and Ground Offensive
- The air campaign began on January 17, 1991, with massive airstrikes against Iraqi military targets.
- The ground offensive, known as Operation Desert Storm, began on February 24, 1991.
- Coalition forces liberated Kuwait and defeated Iraqi forces.
Ceasefire and Aftermath
- A ceasefire was declared on February 28, 1991.
- The war resulted in the loss of over 100,000 Iraqi soldiers and civilians.
- Coalition casualties were much lower, with 378 US troops killed in action.
- Iraq was forced to withdraw from Kuwait and accept UN weapons inspections.
Impact on the Middle East and Beyond
- Weakened Iraq and strengthened US influence in the Middle East.
- Led to the creation of a no-fly zone over Iraq.
- Increased tensions between the US and Iraq, which would eventually lead to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Question 1:
What is the definition of the Persian Gulf War in the context of APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History)?
Answer:
The Persian Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, was a military conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States that began on January 17, 1991, and ended on February 28, 1991. The war was precipitated by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990.
Question 2:
What were the major causes of the Persian Gulf War in APUSH?
Answer:
The major causes of the Persian Gulf War in APUSH include:
- Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait
- Kuwait’s oil wealth and strategic location
- The United States’ desire to maintain control over Middle Eastern oil supplies
- The United Nations’ condemnation of Iraq’s invasion
Question 3:
What were the long-term consequences of the Persian Gulf War in APUSH?
Answer:
The long-term consequences of the Persian Gulf War in APUSH include:
- The weakening of Iraq’s military and economy
- The rise of Saddam Hussein’s regime
- The increased involvement of the United States in the Middle East
- The creation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 687, which established a weapons inspection regime in Iraq
Thanks for hanging with me while we dove into the Persian Gulf War! It’s always a wild ride when we take a closer look at history, isn’t it? Make sure to swing back by later; I’ll be dropping more knowledge bombs on other APUSH topics. Keep the learning vibes alive, my history-loving friend!