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Kuwait used to be part of Iraq until 1923. *Starting date of this event is not accurate.
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Kuwait gains full independence from Britain.
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Kuwait's constitution was formed.
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Kuwait becomes a member of United Nations.
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Saddam Hussein takes control of Iraq.
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During the Iran-Iraq War, the US had given massive military aid to Iraq. Iraq currently has the fourth largest army in the world.
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Iraq invaded and sucessfully captured Kuwait. One of Saddam Hussein's motive was to "make his country whole again" by regaining the land that they had once owned. By being in control of Kuwait, Iraq had 24% of the world's oil supplies. Because of this oil connection, Saudi Arabia had suspicions that it would be attacked next.
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Operation Desert Shield begins. The first US forces arrive in Saudi Arabia.
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The first American dies in this war.
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This is the date that was set by the US for all of the Iraqi troops to leave Kuwait. When Iraq did not leave, this triggered Operation Desert Storm. That made this a full blown war to free Kuwait.
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Operation Desert Storm is declared officially. The air war started at 6:38pm EST, which was January 17 at 2:38am local time.
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Iraq attacked Israel. Iraq's intensions were to threaten the US and to try to persuade the other Arab nations to join them. They also wanted Israel to go against other Arab countries.
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Iraq creates a massive oil slick in the Persian Gulf on purpose.
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Saudi Arabia's suspicions were confirmed when Iraq attacked them.
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US forces in the Gulf exceed 500,000.
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Jordan declares its support for Iraq. Although Iraq got an ally, Kuwait was allied with Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belguim, New Zealand, Niger, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
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The ground war begins.
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Iraq sets 700 oil wells in Kuwait on fire.
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President Bush orders a cease-fire effective midnight, Kuwait time.
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Iraq accepts the cease-fire.
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Iraq officially accepts the cease-fire.
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The cease-fire becomes effective.
