The tiny country of Kuwait grabbed the world's attention during the Gulf War; its natural petroleum resources had become the envy of its neighbour Iraq. But Kuwait's history goes back long before any oil was discovered, back to Mesopotamian settlements as early as 3000 BCE. "The History of Kuwait" offers a comprehensive history of this small but highly significant country. From sheikhdom to British protectorate to independence to invasion, Kuwait's history is long and rich with culture. The author demonstrates how this Middle Eastern gem has grown throughout the centuries.The work includes a timeline of important events, starting with pre-history, biographies of important figures in Kuwait's history, a glossary of terms, and a bibliographic essay. The chapters include: The Land and People of Kuwait; Desert Origins and Settlement (ca. 3000 BCE-1756 CE); Desert Sheikhdom (1756-1899); British Protectorate (1899-1961); Independence and Nationhood (1961-1990); Invasion and Occupation (1990-1991); Liberation (1991); Reconstruction (1992-1999); and Kuwait Today (2000-Present).