Timeline Description: The Persian Gulf War was a fight that went by many names such as Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, the Iraq War, and more. It was led by the United States against Iraq after Iraq invaded and captured Kuwait.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 1990 | Tensions between Iraq and Kuwait rise Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq, began accusing Kuwait of moving against Iraq by producing large amounts of oil. Hussein would eventually accuse Kuwait of stealing oil from Iraq. |
| July 1990 | Troops move toward Kuwait Trying to strike back against Kuwait, Hussein deployed Iraqi troops to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. By August, he had ordered the troops to invade Kuwait, which officially started the Gulf War. |
| August 6, 1990 | The United Nations blocks Iraq After unsuccessfully demanding Iraq back down, the United Nations declared a trade embargo on Iraq. It was called Resolution 661. |
| August 7, 1990 | American troops move in The United States decided to lead an initiative against Iraq. It was named Operation Desert Shield, and the troops began landing in Saudi Arabia. |
| September 14, 1990 | Other countries join the fight The USA's presence didn't intimidate Saddam Hussein, and he continued his annexation of Kuwait. The United Kingdom and France joined America in sending troops to fight against Iraq. |
| November 1990 | An ultimatum by the U.N. The United Nations determined that Iraq could not be allowed to continue its control of Kuwait. It passed Resolution 678, which demanded Iraq withdraw, or they would face military action. |
| January 9, 1991 | Talks solve nothing Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz met and spoke with the U.S. Secretary of State in order to come to an agreement. However, no agreement was made. |
| January 16, 1991 | Operation Desert Storm The United States officially launched Operation Desert Storm. Apache helicopters and warplanes attacked Baghdad and other military targets in Iraq. |
| January 18, 1991 | Iraq attacks Israel In order to retaliate against America, Iraq launched missiles on America's ally, Israel. The United States responded with missiles of their own. |
| January 25, 1991 | Iraq fights back Saddam Hussein ordered the destruction of Kuwaiti oil wells. He blew up several oil wells, then pumped millions of gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf. |
| February 1, 1991 | A U.S. victory The Battle of Khafji was fought between American and Iraqi forces. The Iraqis were driven out of Saudi Arabia for an American victory. |
| February 22, 1991 | Iraq is given one last chance Trying to avoid further fights, American President George H.W. Bush offered Iraq a 24-hour period to surrender. Iraq refused, and a ground war began on February 24. |
| February 26, 1991 | Iraqi withdraw Saddam Hussein at last ordered the Iraqi withdraw of troops from Kuwait. A coalition aircraft bombed the retreating troops, and the area is now called the Highway of Death. |
| February 28, 1991 | Ceasefire declared U.S. President George H.W. Bush declared a ceasefire, ending the war. Kuwait had been liberated from Iraq. |
| March 1, 1991 | Negotiations agreed upon At the end of the war, a ceasefire plan was put in place. A meeting was held in Safwan, Iraq, and American troops were deployed home. |