British Maritime System & National Identity (1750-1898) PDF
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GEMS Our Own English High School
Padmini Jayasooriyan
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Summary
These notes cover the British maritime system's influence in the Southern Arabian Gulf during the 18th and 19th centuries. They detail treaties with local rulers and the establishment of the Trucial States. The notes also discuss local and international developments between 1800-1914 and the role of key figures.
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Lesson 3: The British Maritime System and National Identity-1750-1898 British In the Southern Arabian Gulf During the 18th Century ,the British attempted to expand their influence in the southern Gulf and attempted to control shipping and trade as much as possible. The Qawasim’...
Lesson 3: The British Maritime System and National Identity-1750-1898 British In the Southern Arabian Gulf During the 18th Century ,the British attempted to expand their influence in the southern Gulf and attempted to control shipping and trade as much as possible. The Qawasim’s large navy of over 60 large ships and 15000 sailors came to challenge British Sea power in the area. The British felt that the increasing economic power of Al Nahyans in Abu Dhabi and the Qawasims threatened their attempt to expand control of sea routes to India. To justify their actions the British accused the Qawasim of “piracy”. It was later found that Qawasim piracy was a 'myth’ created by the British to justify their attempts to control trade in the Arabian Gulf The Treaties of the 19th Century The foundations of the modern UAE grew throughout the 1800s. The Bani Yas and the Qawasim consolidated their power across the country. They continued to engage with the British Empire who sought to extend their power into the region. Several treaties with the British were signed from the 1830s onwards. In 1853 the Perpetual Maritime Truce ensured an end to all conflict at sea. This was followed by the ‘Exclusive Treaty’ in 1892. As a result of these agreements, the country became known as the “Trucial States”. The treaties restricted other European countries from the Arabian Gulf. They also resulted in Britain representing the Trucial States in dealings with foreign countries. Local and International Developments 1800-1914 Sheikh Shakbout bin Dhiyab and his sons ruled Abu Dhabi from 1795-1845 Sheikh Shakhbut’s grandson was Zayed bin Khalifa al-Nahyan. He ruled from 1855 to 1909, which is the longest reign in Abu Dhabi’s history. He was the Grandfather of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan- Father of our nation. By the end of the nineteenth century, Abu Dhabi became the most important power in all of southeastern Arabia. Sheikh Zayed’s center of power was Qasr al-Hosn. There he conducted majlis meetings with leading tribal figures and resolved disputes. In 1833 the Al Maktoum family, part of the Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani Yas, migrated from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti established the emirate of Dubai in the 1830s.Dubai grew in prominence under Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher al Maktoum Sheikh Rahma bin Matar al- Qasimi established the Qawasim State in the first half of the 18th century. After the death of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, the ruler of the state of Qawasim in 1866,his territory was divided into Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah. The Qawasim were forced to leave parts of Iran though they kept the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb. Abu Musa became part of Sharjah and Greater and Lesser Tunb became part of Ras alKhaimah. Economy expanded due to the introduction of Postal service allowing merchants to communicate quickly through the Arabian Gulf and India February 23 Padmini Jayasooriyan Dubai becomes an important port in the British navigation route to India Dalma became an important market for pearls, attracting merchants from India. The Treaties of the 19th Century Several treaties with the British were signed from the 1830s onwards.As a result of these agreements, the country became known as the “Trucial States”. The treaties restricted other European countries from the Arabian Gulf. They also resulted in Britain representing the Trucial States in dealings with foreign countries. Year Treaty Features 1820 General In 1820 the British impose the General Maritime Treaty Maritime with the Sheikhs of the Arab coast by which the leaders Treaty agreed to a cessation of disturbances on the sea and were prohibited to build large ships and erect fortifications along this coast. 1835 Maritime The British who were fearful of resurgent resistance from Truce of our local people, persuaded the Rulers of Abu Dhabi, 1835 Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman to sign a Maritime Truce in 1835 banning acts of war at sea during the pearling season. 1843 Ten Years’ The Ten Years’ Truce allowed the British supported fleet of Truce Indian naval forces to patrol the pearl banks along our coast. 1853 The When the Ten Years’ Truce, the British and our local Perpetual Sheikhs agreed to establish a permanent peace at sea. The Treaty of Sheikhs agreed to a complete cessation of hostilities at sea Maritime and a ‘perfect maritime truce…for evermore’ Peace 1892 The It provided guarantees of British military protection of the Exclusive Gulf sheikhdoms but attempted to restrict the ability of the Agreements local sheikhs from engaging in foreign policy and other of 1892 negotiations and full autonomy. February 23 Padmini Jayasooriyan