Qatar Economy Before the Discovery of Oil Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What contributed to the economic deprivation in Qatar from 1939 to 1949?

Introduction of new industries

Halt in oil explorations by the British authorities (correct)

Improvement in Qatar's agricultural sector

Increase in pearl fishing activities

Why did the Anglo-Persian Oil Company shut down its operations in 1942?

To focus on the war effort (correct)

Due to increased oil production

To explore new oil fields

To support local businesses

How did the war in Europe affect Qatar's pearl fishing industry?

Paris markets opened up for Qatar's pearls

Prices of pearls decreased

Sales of pearls stopped due to war (correct)

Merchants increased financing for pearl fishing

What did Sheikh Abdullah request from the British to alleviate the crisis?

Food supplies Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1916 Treaty between Britain and Qatar stipulate?

Supply of rifles and ammunition to Qatar by Britain Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain eventually approve Sheikh Abdullah's request for weapons in 1926?

To show commitment to Sheikh Abdullah Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sheikh Abdullah decide to relinquish power to his son in 1949?

He was facing opposition from his family over revenue allocations from the oil company. Signup and view all the answers

What event led the British authorities to pressure Sheikh Abdullah to approve the appointment of a British political agent in Doha?

Clashes in a Doha market where some Indians and Pakistanis were killed. Signup and view all the answers

What made Britain change its position in early 1949 and decide to appoint a political agent in Qatar?

Discovery of significant potential for oil extraction and export in Qatar. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sheikh Abdullah refuse to appoint a political agent in Qatar before 1949?

He feared it would undermine his authority and power. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Colonel William Hay in requesting the appointment of a British political agent in Doha?

To put pressure on Sheikh Abdullah to approve the appointment. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain delay appointing a political agent in Qatar despite having agents in other Arab Gulf emirates?

The Bahrain-based agent managed British affairs smoothly in Qatar. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain provide modern weaponry to Qatari forces in 1926?

To fulfill Sheikh Abdullah's request to protect against the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Britain to furnish weapons to Sheikh Abdullah's forces in early 1926?

Refusal to receive representatives from a British oil company. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain decline Sheikh Abdullah's request for armored cars in 1938?

Britain claimed the cars were not suitable for operation in Qatar. Signup and view all the answers

What led Sheikh Abdullah to reject the appointment of a British political agent in Qatar?

Britain's refusal to supply arms. Signup and view all the answers

How did Britain attempt to exert influence in Qatar despite Sheikh Abdullah's rejection of a British political agent?

By establishing a hospital and assigning its doctor as an unofficial political agent. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sheikh Abdullah resist the British pressure to appoint a political agent?

He believed the appointment could endanger his authority. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Sheikh Abdullah take when Britain asked him to appoint a British political agent?

Nominated his son as Crown Prince before tribal leaders and family members. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah pass away?

1948 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Deprivation in Qatar (1939-1949)

Qatar experienced economic hardship due to the Great Depression, impacting trade and investment.
The decline of the pearl fishing industry heavily influenced the economy, with factors like competition from cultured pearls and wartime disruptions.
The Anglo-Persian Oil Company halted operations in 1942, worsening the economic landscape.

Impact of the War in Europe

World War II disrupted the pearl fishing industry, leading to a decline in income and loss of livelihood for many fishermen.
European demand for pearls decreased as resources were diverted to the war effort.

Sheikh Abdullah's Requests

Sheikh Abdullah petitioned the British for assistance to mitigate the economic crisis, seeking financial and military support.
The request for weapons in 1926 was approved by Britain, signaling a strategic alliance to stabilize Sheikh Abdullah's rule.

1916 Treaty Provisions

The 1916 Treaty established Qatar as a British protectorate, outlining British control over foreign policy while granting internal administrative autonomy.

Change in British Support

Britain's endorsement of Sheikh Abdullah's request for weapons stemmed from his willingness to maintain stability and counter external threats.
In 1949, Britain shifted its stance and decided to appoint a political agent in Doha due to growing regional tensions and the need for greater oversight.

Sheikh Abdullah's Power Transition

Sheikh Abdullah relinquished power to his son in 1949, influenced by both personal health reasons and a desire for a smoother transition of leadership.
His decision followed increased pressure from the British authorities concerning governance and oversight.

British Political Agent Appointment Pressure

Events such as regional unrest and the increasing influence of nationalist movements led British authorities to pressure Sheikh Abdullah for the appointment of a political agent in Doha.
Colonel William Hay played a pivotal role in advocating for this appointment, emphasizing the need for British representation to maintain control.

Delays and Resistance

Britain delayed appointing a political agent in Qatar despite existing agents in neighboring Gulf emirates due to perceived stability under Sheikh Abdullah’s rule and internal complexities.
Sheikh Abdullah initially resisted the British request for a political agent due to a desire for autonomy and concerns over foreign influence in governance.

Weapons Provision Context

Britain provided modern weaponry to enhance Qatari defenses in response to regional threats and to support Sheikh Abdullah's leadership.
A request for armored cars in 1938 was denied by Britain, possibly due to budget constraints or a shift in military strategic priorities.

Ongoing Influence Tactics

Despite Sheikh Abdullah's rejection of a political agent, Britain sought to maintain influence through informal channels and by supporting local governance structures.
Sheikh Abdullah’s efforts to assert independence often clashed with British intentions, leading to a complex relationship of cooperation and resistance.

Recent Historical Note

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah passed away in 1949, marking the end of an era in Qatari leadership.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the economic conditions in Qatar from 1939 to 1949, a period marked by deprivation before the discovery and commercial export of oil. Explore the challenges faced including the halt in oil explorations and the decline of pearl fishing.