GCSE History | The Situation in Iraq from 1991 to the Present Day

History Quiz - Iraq: 1991 To The Present Day (Questions)

From the Gulf War to elections and occupation, Iraq’s recent history is full of conflict, change, and rebuilding. This quiz checks what you know about Iraq since 1991.

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Fascinating Fact:

In 2005 Iraq held multi party elections under a new constitution. A federal system was created, giving the Kurdish region in the north wide autonomy.

In GCSE History, this modern world depth study looks at Iraq from 1991 onwards. You will examine the Gulf War, sanctions, the 2003 invasion, occupation, elections, and attempts to rebuild the state.

Key Terms

Coalition: A group of countries working together in war or diplomacy, such as the alliance that fought Iraq in 1991 and 2003.
Sanctions: Economic or political penalties, like trade limits, used by other countries to pressure a government to change its behaviour.
Insurgency: Armed resistance by groups using bombings, ambushes, and guerrilla tactics against occupying forces or a government.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What happened in Iraq in 1991?

In 1991 a US-led coalition drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in the Gulf War. After a ceasefire there were uprisings in Iraq and long-term UN sanctions were imposed on the country.

Why did the United States and allies invade Iraq in 2003?

The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 claiming that Saddam Hussein’s regime had weapons of mass destruction and posed a threat. No stockpiles were found, but the regime was removed.

What should I revise about Iraq 1991 to the present for GCSE History?

For GCSE History you should revise the 1991 Gulf War, sanctions, Saddam Hussein’s rule, the 2003 invasion, occupation, insurgency, elections, the new constitution, and how Iraq’s society and politics changed.

Try These Related Quizzes

Which US general led the coalition's land forces during the 1991 attack on Iraq?

[ ]	Petraeus
[ ]	Schwarzkopf
[ ]	Westmoreland
[ ]	Sanchez

Which of these states did not join the UN military endeavour to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991?

[ ]	Syria
[ ]	Egypt
[ ]	Turkey
[ ]	Iran

Which religious group within Islam, located in the south of the country, revolted in 1991 against Saddam in the hope that coalition forces would assist them in removing him?

[ ]	Shia
[ ]	Sunni
[ ]	Wahabi
[ ]	Kurds

It was often alleged in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, that Saddam had substantial stocks of lethal weapons that threatened the wider Middle East and beyond. By what name were such weapons known?

[ ]	Weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
[ ]	Tactical nuclear weapons
[ ]	Conventional warfare armaments
[ ]	Chemical and biological warfare agents

After the 2003 invasion, for which city in Southern Iraq were British forces usually responsible?

[ ]	Basra
[ ]	Kirkuk
[ ]	Najaf
[ ]	Karbala

Some US occupying troops were accused of the mistreatment of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib. What kind of location was this?

[ ]	A barracks
[ ]	A sports centre
[ ]	A prison
[ ]	A naval base

Which area in the north east of Iraq became effectively an independent state following the 2003 invasion?

[ ]	The marshes of the lower Euphrates and Tigris valleys
[ ]	Kurdistan
[ ]	The area adjoining the Syrian border
[ ]	The deserts adjoining the Kingdom of Jordan

Which of the following groups was a major religious minority in Iraq until the early 21st century?

[ ]	Christians
[ ]	Buddhists
[ ]	Hindus
[ ]	Sunni Muslims

Which Iraqi politician was forced to resign in 2014 for being too partial towards the Shia Muslim community in the country?

[ ]	Al-Maliki
[ ]	Nuri-es Said
[ ]	Wafiq Said
[ ]	Recep Erdogan

10.

What kind of missile did Saddam Hussein launch against Israel during the 1991 campaign?

[ ]	Katyusha rockets
[ ]	Patriots
[ ]	SS-20's
[ ]	Scuds

History Quiz - Iraq: 1991 To The Present Day (Answers)

Which US general led the coalition's land forces during the 1991 attack on Iraq?

[ ]	Petraeus
[x]	Schwarzkopf
[ ]	Westmoreland
[ ]	Sanchez

This Vietnam veteran coped well with a varied group of military partners

Which of these states did not join the UN military endeavour to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991?

[ ]	Syria
[ ]	Egypt
[ ]	Turkey
[x]	Iran

Many of Saddam's neighbours feared that his expansionist ambitions would not stop at Kuwait

Which religious group within Islam, located in the south of the country, revolted in 1991 against Saddam in the hope that coalition forces would assist them in removing him?

[x]	Shia
[ ]	Sunni
[ ]	Wahabi
[ ]	Kurds

The UN allies were sympathetic to the plight of persecuted groups, but they abided strictly by the terms of the original UN resolution

[x]	Weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
[ ]	Tactical nuclear weapons
[ ]	Conventional warfare armaments
[ ]	Chemical and biological warfare agents

Hans Blix, the UN weapons inspector, sought in vain to locate a wide range of weaponry, which was regarded as a threat to the international community

After the 2003 invasion, for which city in Southern Iraq were British forces usually responsible?

[x]	Basra
[ ]	Kirkuk
[ ]	Najaf
[ ]	Karbala

The US army took responsibility for Baghdad, while their main ally was deployed elsewhere

Some US occupying troops were accused of the mistreatment of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib. What kind of location was this?

[ ]	A barracks
[ ]	A sports centre
[x]	A prison
[ ]	A naval base

The behaviour of some US troops damaged the reputation of the West

Which area in the north east of Iraq became effectively an independent state following the 2003 invasion?

[ ]	The marshes of the lower Euphrates and Tigris valleys
[x]	Kurdistan
[ ]	The area adjoining the Syrian border
[ ]	The deserts adjoining the Kingdom of Jordan

After 2003 cracks began to show in the unity of Saddam's former state

Which of the following groups was a major religious minority in Iraq until the early 21st century?

[x]	Christians
[ ]	Buddhists
[ ]	Hindus
[ ]	Sunni Muslims

Before recent events Iraq had contained a number of religious minorities living reasonably harmoniously together