How successfully did Britain respond to international crises- Gulf War 1991

context to Iraq problem:

On 2 August 1990, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait. Saddam Hussein claimed that Kuwait should be a part of Iraqi territory

why did the West care?

• through the Cold War, iraq had been an ally of the USSR

• The US was worried that Iraq would try to seize Saudi Arabian oil fields next.

• The US disliked Iraqi support for Arab and Palestinian militant groups next.

• the US condemned the invasion

response to Iraq invasion of Kuwait

1. Within hours, the UN Security Council met and officially condemned the actions of Iraqi troops. On 6^th August, they placed economic sanctions on Iraq’s trading, who had recently been bankrupted by the Iran-Iraq War that ended in the late 1980s.

2. The UN Security Council then allowed a naval blockade to enforce the economic sanctions against Iraq and inspect their cargoes to and from destinations

US-UN dealing with the invasion

• The USA took the lead on demanding Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait without involving any other Middle Eastern conflict – such as Israel-Palestine. 7^th August 1990 – US troops sent to Saudi Arabia to protect just in case.

• On 12 August 1990, Hussein wanted to compromise but said he could not withdraw until a resolution was made in Palestine and Lebanon that also had ‘occupying forces’ (Israel/Syria). President Bush refused

• On 23 August, Hussein appeared on state television with Western hostages that he refused to let leave the country. He is seen telling a young British boy, Stuart Lockwood, not to worry as hopefully he won’t be needed much longer – trying to prompt a quick response.

• Eventually, in December 1990, Iraq said they would withdraw as long as there were guarantees their troops would not be attacked. The US stuck to their position that they would not negotiate until Iraqi troops were completely withdrawn

• On 14 January 1991, France proposed to the UN Security Council that they call for the rapid withdrawal from Kuwait in return for a conference set on settling problems in the Middle East such as the Arab-Israeli conflict. The US, Great Britain and the Soviet Union rejected it.

• On 17 January 1991, a UN assault began with the bombing of Iraq defences and a ground assault on the 24^th February. It was a coalition of 34 countries including GB, US, Belgium, France, Greece and many more. Hostilities were over within 100 hours. This was a success for the UN.

chaos in Britain during the Gulf War

1. Thatcher had been forced out before the US-led invasion began and John Major had replaced her.

2. Thatcher had made many statements showing she believed in a UN intervention in Kuwait to support the UN Charter.

3. Thatcher was involved in the build up to the invasion and negotiations with President Bush, but not with the outcome.

the extent of British involvement

• Between 43,000-53,000 servicemen sent – the third largest military contribution after the US and Saudi Arabia. The largest European contingent.

• 2,500 armoured vehicles sent

• The RAF played a significant role in the bombing campaigns.

• 47 British servicemen died

consequences of the Gulf War 1991

• Saddam Hussein remained in power. He started purging enemies from within his own population.

• The war seen as an example of British and American imperialism by many in the Middle East.

• John Major had demonstrated that Britain still had diplomatic sway with involvement in decision making regarding protecting the minority groups Saddam Hussein started attacking. Major proposed having ‘safe havens’ for these groups that could be guarded by allied troops.

• Iraq continued to be an issue for Britain and the USA. Saddam Hussein was eventually removed from power in 2003.

• THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP IS SPECIAL!

causes of the Gulf War

Iraqi invasion of Kuwait	On 2 August 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, claiming it was historically part of Iraq. This threatened global oil supply and regional stability.
Risk to Saudi Arabia	The USA feared Iraq would next attack Saudi Arabia, gaining control over much of the world's oil supply.
UN principles and British alliance	Britain supported a UN resolution against Iraq and had a historic alliance with Kuwait. Thatcher saw the invasion as a clear breach of international law.
Desire to support the US	Britain wanted to back US leadership and maintain the ‘special relationship’.

events of the Gulf War

Thatcher’s early stance

Although she resigned before fighting began, Thatcher strongly urged action, reinforcing international resolve.

Coalition building

President Bush created a broad international coalition (including Arab states), with UN backing.

Air assault (17 Jan 1991)

RAF participated heavily in bombing campaigns to weaken Iraqi forces.

Ground assault (24 Feb 1991)

British troops were involved in the swift ground offensive; the war ended in 100 hours.

Military contribution

Britain sent over 53,000 personnel — the third largest force in the coalition

consequences of the Gulf War

✅ Military success

Kuwait was liberated, and Britain's armed forces showed they could still operate effectively in large international operations.

✅ Improved US relations

Reinforced the special relationship, with strong cooperation between Bush and Major.

✅ Diplomatic leadership

Major helped gain international support for protecting Kurdish minorities via 'safe havens'.

❌ Criticism from Middle East

Some Arab countries and populations saw it as British-American imperialism, despite the coalition.

❌ Saddam remained in power

Saddam continued ruling Iraq and persecuted internal enemies like the Kurds.

❌ Future instability

Iraq remained an unresolved problem for Britain and the USA, eventually leading to the more divisive 2003 Iraq War.