Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason behind Germany's plan to build a railway from Berlin to Kuwait?
To expand its economic influence in the Middle East
Why did Russia's plan to build a railway in Kuwait concern Britain?
Russia's presence would threaten Britain's economic interests in the region
What was the main purpose of the British-Kuwait Agreement of 1899?
To secure Britain's economic interests in Kuwait
What did the British-Kuwait Agreement of 1899 prohibit the ruler of Kuwait from doing?
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When did the British-Kuwait Agreement come to an end?
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What was the primary reason behind Britain's lack of political interest in Kuwait before 1899?
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What was the primary reason for the Gulf Route's importance in the 18th and 19th centuries?
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What was the main reason Britain refused to offer protection to Kuwait in the late 19th century?
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What was the significance of the year 1896 in the context of Britain and Kuwait?
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What was the primary reason for Britain's change in policy towards Kuwait in 1899?
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What was the result of Yusuf's military expedition against Mubarak in 1897?
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Who was the Prime Minister of Britain during the late 19th century?
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What was the main reason Britain did not want to get involved in Kuwait's local conflicts?
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What was the significance of the Cape of Good Hope Route in the context of British trade?
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Study Notes
Kuwait and the British
- Britain had trade relations with Kuwait since the 1700s.
- The Gulf Route, which connected India to European markets, made Kuwait an important stopover.
- Key Indian goods traded during this period included cotton and spices.
Importance of India
- India's large population and economic significance made it a crucial market for British trade.
Trade Routes
- The Gulf Route (C18-19) connected India to European markets.
- The Cape of Good Hope Route (C17) and Red Sea Route (1869) were alternative trade routes.
Britain's Initial Disinterest
- Britain refused Mubarak's requests for British protection in 1896, 1897, and 1898.
- Prime Minister Salisbury (1895-1902) was not interested in offering protection to Kuwait.
Reasons for Disinterest
- Kuwait was within the Ottoman Empire's sphere of influence, and Britain didn't want to antagonize the Ottomans.
- Britain was aware of local conflicts in Kuwait, particularly between Mubarak and Yusuf al-Ibrahim.
Mubarak and the Ottomans
- In 1897, a military expedition led by Yusuf was launched against Mubarak.
Change in British Policy
- British policy towards Kuwait changed in 1899, and Britain decided to offer Kuwait its protection.
- This change was largely due to Germany's plans to build a railway from Berlin to Kuwait and Russia's interest in building a railway in Kuwait.
British-Kuwait Agreement (1899)
- The agreement stated that Kuwait would not receive agents or representatives of other powers without British sanction and would not cede or sell territory to other powers without British consent.
End of British-Kuwait Agreement
- The agreement ended in 1961, marking 62 years of British influence in Kuwait.
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