IRAQ

Iraq under Faisal - Economic

Dominated by a small number of big landowners while the majority were landless peasants. 90% of peasants were sharecropping tenants in feudal relationships with landlords. British oil shares were significant.

Iraq under Faisal - Political

Resentment over membership in the Baghdad Pact.

Iraq under Faisal - Social

Development of a secular state school system.

Iraq under Faisal - Military

Established an army.

Iraq under Ghazi (1933-39) - Political

Lacked his father's authority and was disinterested in state affairs.

Iraq under Ghazi (1933-39) - Military

From 1936, the army became increasingly involved in political life.

The Golden Square Coup, 1941

A pro-Nazi revolt by 4 army officers during WWII. Crushed by the British, restoring Nuri al-Said to power. Britain remained in occupation throughout the war.

Iraq under Nuri al-Said - Political

Pro-British and conservative; signed the Baghdad Pact in 1955, angering Nasser.

Iraq under Nuri al-Said - Economic

Negotiated higher profit sharing with the oil company in 1952.

1958 Iraqi coup d'état

The Iraqi Army overthrew the monarchy, establishing the Iraqi Republic. Iraq left the Baghdad Pact, expelled British troops, and gained control over oil production.

Iraq under Qasim (1958-63) - Economic

Seized 99% of Iraqi land from the British-owned Iraq Petroleum Company, redistributed farms, and expanded the middle class.

Iraq under Qasim (1958-63) - Political

Adopted an 'Iraq First' policy, distancing from Pan-Arabism to avoid ties with Nasser.

Iraq under Qasim (1958-63) - Social

Improved living conditions, built 35,000 residential units for the poor and lower middle classes.

Iraq under Qasim (1958-63) - Military

Personal military dictatorship (1958-1963).

1968: 17 July Revolution

A bloodless coup led by General Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr brought the Baath Party to power, with Saddam Hussein's participation.

Iraq under the Baathists (1968-) - Economic

Nationalised the oil industry in 1972, withheld oil from the USA, and joined the 1973 oil embargo, driving up prices. Strengthened infrastructure.

Iraq under the Baathists (1968-) - Political

Promoted Arab unity, established a one-party state in the 1970s, and incorporated Shiites into government.

Iraq under the Baathists (1968-) - Social

Supported mostly by Sunni Muslims.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-) - Economic

Socialist economy with nationalised oil; increased revenue allowed for social reforms but faced low productivity and destruction during wars.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-) - Political

Sole ruler with absolute power; implemented a constitution and parliament but resented the West for supporting Israel.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-) - Social

Improved literacy, free education, free healthcare, subsidised food, reduced taxes, and implemented agrarian reforms.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-) - Military

Spent heavily on military equipment in the 1970s-80s, asserting regional superiority.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein (1979-) - Religious

Repressed Kurds and Shias while promoting Baathist ideology.