History of Qatar: British and Ottoman Relations
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Questions and Answers

What significant change marked the end of the Ottoman presence in Qatar?

  • The Anglo-Ottoman Agreement of 1913 (correct)
  • The fall of Al-Ahsa to Abd al-Aziz Al Saud
  • The signing of the 1916 Treaty
  • Sheikh Abdullah's ascension to power

    • Which regional power emerged following the fall of Al-Ahsa in 1913?

  • The Pahlavi dynasty
  • The Ottoman Empire
  • The United States
  • Saudi Arabia (correct)

    • What motivated the British to sign the 1916 Treaty with Qatar?

  • To establish a base for oil extraction
  • To prevent Iranian expansion
  • To counter Saudi influence in the region (correct)
  • To support Sheikh Abdullah's rule

    • How did British policy towards Qatar evolve in the 1930s?

    <p>It became less involved due to the rise of American interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim's goals regarding the 1916 Treaty?

    <p>To bolster the stability of the ruling family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of the Pahlavi dynasty in the early twentieth century?

    <p>It emerged as a significant regional power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major change occurred with the exit of the Ottoman garrison from Qatar in 1915?

    <p>Recognition of Al Thani's rule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor played a significant role in the increasing American presence in Qatar?

    <p>Contrasting oil policies with British interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Sheikh Abdullah's primary concern regarding British support for Qatar?

    <p>Protection from internal threats</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the British officials respond to Sheikh Abdullah's inquiries about internal threats?

    <p>They avoided commitment to internal affairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main outcome of the Treaty of Jeddah signed in May 1927?

    <p>A promise from Ibn Saud not to attack British-protected regions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Sheikh Abdullah specifically request from the British during Mr. Trevor's visit?

    <p>Weapons including cannons and rifles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of Abd al-Aziz Al Saud's expansion in 1925?

    <p>Increased British commitment to Sheikh Abdullah’s protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After the World War I, how did British interpretations of the treaty change?

    <p>They ignored the commitments to Qatar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about British assistance to Qatar is true?

    <p>They promised to help if Qatar was attacked by an external power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What duration was the company granted the rights to survey, drill, extract, transport, refine, and sell oil and natural gas?

    <p>75 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the British officials’ reactions reveal about their policy towards Qatar?

    <p>They aimed to limit involvement in local politics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country had a border crisis with Qatar that lasted from 1934 until the boundaries were finalized in 2001?

    <p>Saudi Arabia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When did Qatar begin exporting oil for the first time?

    <p>1949</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event occurred during the exploration process from 1935 to 1949 that affected oil production?

    <p>The second world war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company was awarded the concession to survey Qatar’s offshore waters after the success of the British Qatar Petroleum Company?

    <p>Superior Oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of profits did Qatar receive from the 1952 agreement signed during Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah's reign?

    <p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the adjudication between Sheikh Abdullah and the British company?

    <p>Confirmation of Qatari territorial waters in the concession</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major political change occurred in Qatar in 1949 due to oil production?

    <p>Entry into a phase of economic development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Sheikh Abdullah's concerns regarding the 1916 Treaty?

    <p>It did not protect against land-based attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did Sheikh Abdullah request the renewal of British protection and acknowledgment of his son as crown prince?

    <p>1935</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major geopolitical change influenced the British interest in renewing the protection of Qatar in 1935?

    <p>The rise of American oil companies in the region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did the Royal Air Force (RAF) play in the renewed protection agreement with Qatar?

    <p>It was needed for air support and defense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Sheikh Abdullah agree to in 1925 regarding oil exploration?

    <p>To conduct geological surveys for the Anglo-Persian company.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition did Sheikh Abdullah impose for the renewal of British protection over Qatar?

    <p>That the new treaty included both sea and land-based protection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What facilities were necessary for the Royal Air Force as part of the protection agreement?

    <p>Wireless telegraph and landing spaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the British response to Sheikh Abdullah's request for a new agreement?

    <p>They welcomed his request and were eager to sign a new agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What economic activity in Qatar suffered due to the war in Europe during 1939-1949?

    <p>Pearl fishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which company ceased operations in Qatar during World War II, impacting local livelihoods?

    <p>Anglo-Persian Oil Company</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was established by the British to manage food supplies during the crisis in Qatar?

    <p>Middle East Supply Center</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was included in the 1916 Treaty regarding military supplies to Qatar?

    <p>500 rifles and 75,000 rounds of ammunition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Sheikh Abdullah initially refuse to meet with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's representative in 1926?

    <p>He was concerned about security due to lack of weapons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of the delay in British weapon supplies to Qatar?

    <p>Insecurity among Qatari forces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the economic condition of Qatar prior to the influx of oil exploration activities?

    <p>Deteriorating and suffering deprivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for Britain's delay in supplying more weapons to Qatar?

    <p>Belief that they were bound to protect Qatar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted the dispute between Bahrain and Qatar in 1937?

    <p>Unclear borders and oil exploration concessions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Sheikh Abdallah take to affirm his authority over Zubarah?

    <p>He built the Zubarah Castle in 1938</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Britain decline Sheikh Abdallah's request for armored cars?

    <p>Armored cars were not suitable for the local terrain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Rumaila Hospital established by Britain in 1946?

    <p>Its doctor acted as an unofficial political agent in Qatar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Crown Prince Crisis in 1948 for Sheikh Abdullah?

    <p>He had to manage the country alone again</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Sheikh Abdullah's reaction to Britain’s refusal to supply arms?

    <p>He rejected the appointment of a British official</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which attribute did Sheikh Ali lack compared to his brother Sheikh Hamad?

    <p>The ambition to lead effectively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Sheikh Abdallah seek to consolidate his authority by requesting British armored cars?

    <p>1938</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Qatar's Political Development (1913-1949)

    • Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim ruled Qatar from 1913 to 1949, a period of significant political transformation.
    • He was born in Doha in 1880.
    • The Ottoman Empire relinquished sovereignty over Qatar in 1913.
    • The Anglo-Ottoman Agreement of 1913 formalized this.
    • The British and Ottoman governments acknowledged the Al Thani ruling family's authority in 1913.
    • This increased the stability of the ruling family.

    Lecture Themes

    • New powers emerged in the Gulf during the early 20th century.
    • British policy toward Qatar evolved.
    • Factors motivating the British to sign the 1916 Treaty included stopping slave trade, piracy, and arms trade in Qatar; the spread of piracy, and rising economic crisis due to World War 1.
    • Sheikh Abdullah's goals with the 1916 Treaty included securing the transition of power to his son, Sheikh Hamad, and preventing concerns surrounding the growing power of Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, who might seek to incorporate Qatar into his territory.
    • British policy toward Qatar changed in the 1930s, leading to a new agreement in 1935. The main motivation for this was the growing importance of oil.
    • Sheikh Abdullah successfully allowed the US to enter Qatar's oil survey process.

    New Powers in the Early 20th Century

    • The Ottoman presence in the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula ended.
    • Saudi Arabia emerged as a regional power.
    • The fall of Al-Ahsa to Abd al-Aziz Al Saud in 1913 signaled increased British-Qatari concern about Saudi expansion.
    • The Pahlavi dynasty transformed Iran into a significant regional power
    • The American presence increased in the Gulf, competing with Britain's influence.

    Key Changes (pre-1916)

    • The Ottoman Empire relinquished sovereignty over Qatar.
    • The Anglo-Ottoman Agreement of 1913 was followed by the exit of the Ottoman garrison, solidifying British influence
    • British and Ottoman recognition helped stabilize the Al Thani ruling family.
    • The sequence of events led to Sheikh Abdullah taking control as ruler of Qatar.

    Motivations for the 1916 Treaty

    • The exit of Ottoman forces created an opportunity for a new agreement between Britain and Qatar.
    • The appearance of new powers in the Arab Gulf (the USA, Japan, and Russia) posed competition for Britain.
    • The economic crisis of WWI and piracy in Qatari waters threatened Britain's economic interests.
    • The discovery of oil in Masjid Soliman, Iran (1908), underscored British desire to gain access to the Gulf region and protect economic interests.

    Sheikh Abdullah's Treaty Goals

    • Secure the smooth transition of power to his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad, preventing potential succession conflicts
    • Prevent Abd al-Aziz Al Saud's expansion into Qatar. This was achieved through the Treaty of Darin (1915), which limited attacks and interference into internal affairs.

    Treaty of 1916 Provisions

    • Cooperation on preventing slave trade, piracy, and weapons trade.
    • Annual financial assistance and weapons supplies to Qatar.
    • Protection of British merchants.
    • Prohibiting relations with other countries without British approval.
    • British pledge to protect Qatar in case of external attack.
    • Restrictions on granting concessions or renting Qatari territory without consent.

    Provisions Sheikh Abdullah Refused

    • Appointment of a British agent in Doha (feared weakening domestic authority).
    • Allowing Indian merchants (banyan), as this risked harming local commercial activities.
    • Establishing post and telegraph offices, as this was unnecessary at the time.

    British Policy and the 1916 Treaty

    • British policy aimed to use al-Ahsa and Qatar to advance their strategic objectives in the Gulf, notably during WWI.
    • They sought to maintain a solution free of German influence in the waters of the Gulf.
    • A key aim was preventing Abd al-Aziz Al Saud from encroaching on Qatar. This goal emphasized the political and geographic stability of the region.
    • The treaty prioritized British interests and securing control over the region, not necessarily Qatar's protection in a broad sense.

    The 1916 Treaty (overview)

    • Left Qatar's internal affairs under the rule of its local ruler.
    • Guaranteed Qatar's independence, with the Brits' role as protectors.
    • Marked a shift in the political structure for Qatar, forming part of Britain's sphere of influence in the region.
    • These treaties, under Lord Curzon, framed the Arab Gulf region as a "British lake."

    Practical Application of the 1916 Treaty

    • Qatar accepted the treaty, but British policy evolved based on WWII events and interests.
    • The issue of arming Qatar arose due to border concerns with Saudia Arabia's burgeoning power.
    • The British largely ignored commitments. The treaty became a framework for advancing and exercising power, given the political circumstances.
    • Key requests were made about military support and succession.

    The Practical Application of the 1916 Treaty (continued)

    • The British largely avoided direct involvement in Qatar's internal affairs, as per Sheikh Abdullah's concerns.
    • Rejected pleas for military support in case of threats from family members, and also refused support over succession of his son.

    Saudi-British Treaty (1927)

    • Abd al-Aziz Al Saud expanded his territories.
    • The treaty between Abd al-Aziz and Britain (Treaty of Jeddah) guaranteed boundaries and protection from attacking.

    British-Qatari Negotiations Regarding the Airport

    • The British sought airports to support air routes to India.
    • Initial resistance to building the airport came from Sheikh Abdullah. This was due to concerns of British gaining undue control over the region
    • Negotiations in 1931 and 1933 led to the successful establishment of an airport.

    The Oil Concession and Renewal (1935)

    • Britain needed to protect its oil interests after WWI and the rise of the American oil companies.
    • The need for complete protection (not just from sea attacks) from aggressive neighbours became apparent to Sheikh Abdullah regarding new threats - especially land-based.
    • Sheikh Abdullah sought renewal of land-based protection.
    • Sheikh Abdullah insisted that the British acknowledge his son Hamad as the crown prince.

    British Goals in Renewing Protection

    • The British welcomed Sheikh Abdullah's request, but were concerned by rising American influence in the Gulf after the loss of oil fields to rival companies.
    • The British considered this opportunity to maintain its concession for oil exploration rights in order to maintain political dominance.

    Negotiations of the 1935 Protection Treaty

    • The British government was prepared to renew the Anglo-Persian oil concession in exchange for protection.
    • Protection would be from land attacks, with the support of the Royal Air Force, which required facilities in Qatar.
    • The RAF would have access to Qatar whenever needed.

    The 1935 Protection Treaty (continued)

    • A British political resident visited Qatar to finalise details of protection in April 1935.
    • The 1935 agreement stipulated British provision of protection in exchange for an oil concession. 
    • Protection would cover external attacks, including those from land. The British Air Force would provide the protection.
    • Qatar would protect and guarantee the safety of British officers and facilities.

    The 1935 Qatari-British Treaty

    • The British acknowledged Sheikh Hamad as crown prince
    • The new element was the provision for oil exploration concessions.
    • British policy considered Qatar's vulnerability given increasing American influence, creating an opportunity to protect British interests.

    Qatar and Oil (Early 20th Century)

    • Oil surveying began in 1925, with Sheikh Abdullah agreeing to requests of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.
    • The agreement wasn't signed until 1935, including surveying, drilling, extracting, transporting, refining and selling oil and natural gas for 75 years.

    Qatar and Oil (continued)

    • Border disputes emerged in early 1930s with neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Disputes over the boundaries of Qatar and its neighbours' claim to resources in disputed zones were significant.
    • An international dispute regarding ownership of these islands caused significant complexities in the 1930s. 
    • Oil production began in 1939, transforming the economic and political landscape of Qatar significantly.
    • This period was a definitive start to Qatar's progress in the political and economic sphere.

    Qatar and Oil (continued)

    • The British company (Qatar Petroleum) succeeded in gaining a concession from Sheikh Abdullah. American company Superior Oil, was awarded rights to explore adjacent waters to Qatar's shores due to the British company.
    • A new agreement with Shell was signed in 1952.
    • Post-WWII, American companies gained prominence in the Gulf.

    Qatar During WWII

    • Oil explorations halted in 1942 due to the war.
    • Pearl fishing suffered as European markets were closed and financing dried up.
    • British efforts were made to assist Qatar with food provisions.

    Qatar Requests Weapons (1916-late 1920s)

    • The 1916 treaty obligated Britain to supply weapons, but this was delayed by Britain
    • When the Sheikh requested weapons to bolster his army, Britain eventually obliged but with the implicit intention that this would be advantageous to long-term British interests on Qatar
    • Provided weapons supplies to Qatar on the condition that they were used only for internal security.

    Qatar Requests Weapons (continued)

    • Sheikh Abdullah requested further supplies in the 1930s. This was due to concerns over internal security due to border disputes and internal threats against territory.
    • There was ongoing need for British aid, creating a continued dependence upon British support and resources.

    Qatar Requests Weapons (1930s)

    • Dispute with Bahrain in 1937 over boundaries.
    • Sheikh Abdullah built Zubarah Castle in 1938.
    • Attempt to secure loyalty of Al Naeem tribe.
    • Requested armored cars but Britain refused citing the nature of the terrain.
    • Ongoing concern about British commitment to assist with security given their long-term engagement (protection treaty)

    Sheikh Abdullah Refuses British Political Agent

    • Sheikh Abdullah objected to Britain's refusal to supply arms for internal security, and the appointment of a political agent. This led Britain to appoint a hospital doctor (unofficially) as an agent.

    The Crown Prince Crisis (1948)

    • Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad died in 1948.
    • Sheikh Abdullah took over again, requiring him to retake control
    • Issues over succession arose. Sheikh Abdullah sought advice and requested further weapons aid from Britain.

    The Crown Prince Crisis (1948) - continued

    • Sheikh Abdullah nominated his son, Sheikh Ali, but there was British resistance to recognising him.

    • The British attempted to use this as an opportunity to secure a more prominent role in Qatar.

    • Sheikh Abdullah resisted by organising support among local tribal members.

    Sheikh Abdullah Abdicates (1949)

    • Clashes in Doha
    • British agents pressured Sheikh Abdullah regarding a British political agent post.
    • Sheikh Abdullah abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Ali.

    Appointment of a British Political Agent (1949)

    • Britain appointed its first political agent in Qatar in 1949.
    • Delays were due to concerns about securing control, the need for a locally-desirable approach and the uncertainty surrounding the discovery and start of production of oil - a strategic element in British interest in the Gulf.

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    Qatar's Political Development During Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim's Reign (1913-1949) Lecture Notes PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores significant historical events and treaties that shaped Qatar's geopolitical landscape from the Ottoman presence to British influence. Test your knowledge on key figures, treaties, and the evolution of foreign relations in Qatar during the early twentieth century.

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