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Modern Kingdom of Afghanistan founded
During that time, Afghanistan was bigger than it is today. It even included Kashmir and Peshawar, provinces that are now part of Pakistan and India. These areas were the foundation of Afghanistan’s economy. However, due to inner conflicts the country faced many states becoming independent including Peshawar. Therefore, the kingdom requested help from Britain, but as the refused to send assistance, they turned to the Russians instead. -
Start of First Anglo-Afghan War (also known as Auckland's Folly)
This was when the First Anglo-Afghan War started. To view information on this event, click on the time span. -
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First Anglo-Afghan War (also known as Auckland's Folly)
The First Anglo-Afghan war raged between 1839 and 1842. The British East India sent troops to invade Afghanis after realizing the severe consequences they may be met with when the Russian influence spread over Afghanistan. After their arrival in Kabul, they got rid of Dost Muhammad from the throne, and attempted to maintain power over the country. During this time however, Dost Muhammad’s son, Muhammad Akbar Khan, gathered Afghans to fight against the British, resulting in the British's retreat. -
End of First Anglo-Afghan War (also known as Auckland's Folly)
This was when the First Anglo-Afghan war ended. Information can be viewed by clicking the time span. -
Start of Second Anglo-Afghan War
This was when the Second Anglo-Afghan War started. Click on the time span to view the information on this war. -
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The Second Anglo-Afghan War
The Second Anglo-Afghan War started from 1878 until 1880. This main reason for its occurrence was Britain’s concern over Afghanistan’s decisions of rejecting Britain’s request of continuing the diplomatic mission, but accepting Russia’s. Britain then started the Second Anglo-Afghan war, which brought a new leader onto the throne – Habibullah Khan. However he was soon assassinated and Amanullah Khan eventually took over the throne. -
End of Second Anglo-Afghan War
This was when the Second Anglo-Afghan War ended. Click on the time span to view the information on this war. -
Start of Third Anglo-Afghan War
This was when the Third Anglo-Afghan War started. Click on the time span to view the information on this war. -
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Third Anglo-Afghan War
When Amanullah Khan took over the throne, he started the final Afghan war. This war only lasted about a month, and after continuous fighting, Britain conceded Afghanistan’s independence by singing the Treaty of Rawalpindi on August 1919. This was not the only treaty signed on that year – Amanullah signed a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union as well. -
End of Third Anglo-Afghan War
This was when the Third Anglo-Afghan War ended. Click on the time span to view the information on this war. -
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The Cold War
During this time span, Afghanistan received a lot of aid. By the end of 1971, the Soviet Union provided 672 million dollars, and the US provided 412 million dollars to Afghanistan. They also received military aid as well, and were importing Russian-made jets, recruiting highly trained pilots. During this time, there were also development in equality. Women, for example, were able to receive education and have a better chance of finding an occupation. -
Daoud Khan's Coup
By getting rid of the monarchy, Daoud Khan declared himself as the president, forming the Republic of Afghanistan. Russians did not reward him with subsidies however, but instead Daoud created more enemies with the slowly developing group - PDPA. -
PDPA’s coup and the creation of Democratic Republic of Afghanistan
Only after a few years of Daoud’s coup, the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (otherwise known as the PDPA) overthrew Daoud Khan due to his unfair leadership and ruthless attitude toward the PDPA politicians. This communist coup is called the Saur revolution, which eventually led to the creation of Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (which would last until 1987). -
Conflict between Mujahideen and the Russians
Realizing the power struggle between the communist group and the tribal leaders of Afghanistan, the Russians invaded Afghanistan. Estimated 70 thousand Russian troops were in Afghanistan by December of 1979. However, the Mujahideen (those against the Russians) fought against the Russians with US weaponry (Ronald Reagan’s support). -
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Foreign Influence
CIA orchestrated the US to support the Mujahideen. They trained a whole generation of fighters with financial support from a global super power, as well as expertise from the Pakistani secret service. This was the root reason of the creation of Taliban and Al Qaeda. US, who were blinded by the Russian’s power over Afghanistan (back then), continuously aided such groups, in order to combat against the Russians. -
Russian withdrawal followed by a civil war
Facing such disasters, Afghanistan, and the people of Afghanistan faced the most harm. Over 1.5 million people died over the past five years and there were even more detrimental consequences after the Russians left the country. Civil wars followed after Russia’s withdrawal, creating even more bloodshed. -
Fall of the Soviet Government
Led by Mujahideen forces, Ahmed Shah Massoud removed the Soviet government and Najibullah, thus leading to the Taliban gaining control over places such as Kabul. Islamic rules were implemented to the nation, especially ones concerning the rights of women. -
U.S. and NATO invasion
On this day, the US, UK, Australia, France invaded Afghanistan, because the Taliban government (governer of Afghanistan), supported and protected the Al-Qaeda who attacked the twin towers the same year. This however, is ironic, because during the 20th century, when Russia and the U.S. fought over Afghanstan, the U.S. provided weapons for the Afghanistans to use against the Russians -- and these weapons are being used by Al-Qaeda today. -
NATO takes control over Kabul
On this day, NATO began to take a leadership role in providing Kabul with security. This caused the Taliban to fall apart, and within 24 hours of their siege, key cities supporting Taliban troops, such as Herat, fell. -
War spreads to Pakistan
U.S. army Special Forces attack villages in Pakistan to be known as Taliban and Al-Qaeda stronghold. The causalities were only citizens, which is the reason for Pakistan condemning the US. They too, have been attacked, but are also attacking Afghanistan as well, by sending suicide bombers. "Pakistan has a reputation for terrorism in the region. Using these terrorist groups, they want to safeguard their national interests..." states Nadir Mobarez, a student in Afghanistan. -
NATO plans to withdraw all troops by the end of 2014
During the 2012 Chicago Summit, NATO agreed to withdraw all of its troops in Afghanistan by 2014. It is told that a new and different mission will be given to NATO in order to regulate the security of Afghanistan and its people.
