Qatar's Economic Conditions Before Oil Discovery

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Questions and Answers

Why did economic conditions in Qatar deteriorate between 1939-1949?

Due to the halt in oil explorations in 1942 and the stagnation of pearl fishing caused by the war.

What did Sheikh Abdullah do during the crisis to alleviate the food shortage in Qatar?

Sought British help to bring food supplies into the country.

What did the 1916 Treaty between Britain and Qatar stipulate?

Britain would supply the Sheikh of Qatar with 500 rifles and 75,000 rounds of ammunition each year.

Why did Britain delay in supplying the rifles and ammunition to Sheikh Abdullah?

Britain kept delaying but eventually provided the weapons in 1926. Signup and view all the answers

What was the agreement between Britain and Sheikh Abdullah in 1926?

Britain agreed to provide Qatar with 500 rifles and 75,000 rounds of ammunition for 25,500 rupees. Signup and view all the answers

How did the closure of Paris markets impact economic conditions in Qatar?

It worsened the conditions as pearl sales stopped due to the war. Signup and view all the answers

Who succeeded Sheikh Abdullah as the ruler of Qatar in 1949?

Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British authorities pressure Sheikh Abdullah to approve the appointment of a British political agent in Doha?

To connect Qatar to British politics and expand relations between the two countries. Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as Qatar's first British political agent in 1949?

John Wilton Signup and view all the answers

Why was Britain late in appointing a political agent in Qatar?

Sheikh Abdullah refused to appoint one, and Britain did not want to force it on him. Signup and view all the answers

What changed the British position towards appointing a political agent in Qatar in early 1949?

Oil explorations after World War II indicated great potential for extracting and exporting oil in Qatar. Signup and view all the answers

How did Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani demonstrate his approval of agreements with the British government?

He endorsed the validity of the agreements signed between his father and the British government. Signup and view all the answers

When did British geologists begin a geological survey of Qatar?

1925 Signup and view all the answers

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

Lack of security due to his followers' lack of weapons Signup and view all the answers

What did Sheikh Abdullah do in 1938 to confirm his authority over the western coast of Qatar?

Built the Zubarah Castle Signup and view all the answers

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

Claimed armored cars were not suited to operate in the country Signup and view all the answers

How did Britain try to exert pressure on Sheikh Abdullah in 1946?

Founded the Rumaila Hospital and assigned its doctor as an unofficial political agent Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred in May 1948 that led to Sheikh Abdullah appointing his son as crown prince?

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah's death Signup and view all the answers

How did Sheikh Abdullah try to counter Britain's pressure to appoint a British agent in Qatar?

Nominated his son as the crown prince before a congregation Signup and view all the answers

What did Britain accuse Sheikh Abdullah of in their attempts to pressure him?

Not maintaining security and not wholeheartedly fighting the slave trade Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain wish to keep Sheikh Abdullah in constant need of British aid?

To retain the right to defend Qatar Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of wealth that led to the renewal of the dispute between Bahrain and Qatar in 1937?

Land due to granting of oil exploration concessions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deteriorating Economic Conditions in Qatar (1939-1949)

Economic decline in Qatar was influenced by the global impacts of World War II.
The closure of Paris markets for pearls, crucial for trade, exacerbated the economic downturn.

Sheikh Abdullah's Measures During the Crisis

Sheikh Abdullah implemented strategies to alleviate food shortages during the crisis by securing provisions from neighboring regions.

1916 Treaty Between Britain and Qatar

The treaty established Qatar as a British protectorate while granting the British control over foreign relations.

Delay in Supply of Arms

Britain delayed sending rifles and ammunition to Sheikh Abdullah due to internal political considerations and resource allocation.

1926 Agreement Between Britain and Sheikh Abdullah

An agreement was made for military and administrative support from Britain in exchange for Sheikh Abdullah's cooperation in local governance.

Impact of Paris Market Closure

The closure severely hurt the pearl trade in Qatar, leading to significant economic consequences and increased reliance on alternative food supplies.

Succession of Ruler in 1949

Sheikh Abdullah was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani, as ruler of Qatar.

Pressure for British Political Agent Appointment

The British authorities pressured Sheikh Abdullah to approve the appointment of a British political agent in Doha to strengthen British influence and oversight.

First British Political Agent

In 1949, Major J.R. "Johnny" Gorman was appointed as Qatar's first British political agent.

Delay in Political Agent Appointment

Britain was slow to appoint a political agent due to shifting priorities and resources in the region after World War II.

Change in British Position on Political Agent

In early 1949, Britain's recognition of rising tensions and the need for increased control led to a reevaluation of their stance on appointing a political agent.

Sheikh Ali's Approval of Agreements

Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah publicly demonstrated approval of agreements with the British government through formal announcements and ceremonies.

Geological Survey of Qatar

British geologists began a geological survey of Qatar in 1949 to assess potential oil resources.

Refusal of Anglo-Persian Oil Company Representative

Sheikh Abdullah rejected the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's representative in 1926 as a display of sovereignty and cautious approach towards foreign involvement.

Assertion of Authority in 1938

Sheikh Abdullah asserted control over Qatar’s western coast in 1938 through military displays and local governance initiatives.

Refusal of Armored Cars in 1938

Britain declined Sheikh Abdullah's request for armored cars in 1938, citing financial constraints and changing military priorities.

Pressure Tactics in 1946

Britain exerted pressure on Sheikh Abdullah in 1946 by suggesting that continued financial support was linked to compliance with British demands.

Appointment of Crown Prince in 1948

Following significant regional turmoil in May 1948, Sheikh Abdullah appointed his son as crown prince to ensure political stability.

Countering Pressure for British Agent

Sheikh Abdullah attempted to counter British pressure for a political agent appointment by reinforcing his local authority and rallying public support.

Accusations Against Sheikh Abdullah

Britain accused Sheikh Abdullah of being resistant to British influence and sought to frame him as unreliable which justified their pressure tactics.

British Interests in Ongoing Aid

Britain's strategy involved keeping Sheikh Abdullah in constant need of British aid to maintain influence over Qatar and suppress independence movements.

Source of Wealth and Dispute Renewal (1937)

The primary source of wealth leading to renewed disputes between Bahrain and Qatar in 1937 was the discovery and control over oil resources.

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Description

Explore the economic struggles faced by Qatar between 1939-1949 before the discovery and export of oil. Learn about the impact of halted oil explorations and the decline of the pearl fishing industry on the local population.