This Week in History

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CWA # 1451, 23 August 2024
This Week in History
15 August 1971: Bahrain becomes independent

  Arya Madhavan S

On 15 August 1971 Bahrain became independent from British colonial rule. 

By the nineteenth century, Bahrain had been a focus of attention for European countries, notably the British Empire. The British wanted to secure their maritime trade routes and safeguard their interests in the region. Bahrain signed a pact with the British in 1820, thus establishing its position as a British protectorate. Under this system, Bahrain's rulers retained domestic authority while the British handled the island's defence and external affairs.

The Road to Independence
The mid-twentieth century saw major political transformation in the Middle East and North Africa. The decolonisation wave, which witnessed the rise of newly sovereign governments from former European colonies, had a dramatic influence on Bahrain. Bahrain's path to independence was largely shaped by the interplay of local activism, regional dynamics, and British colonial policy. However, some significant organisations and activities helped to fuel the independence struggle. The National Union Committee, founded in 1954, was one of Bahrain's early political groups, uniting many parts of Bahraini society, including Sunnis, Shias, and secular nationalists. The NUC was instrumental in organising rallies and strikes in opposition to British colonial control, as well as campaigning for political change, more autonomy, and the development of representative government.

During the 1950s and 1960s, trade unions and workers' organisations emerged to advocate for labour rights and political changes. These unions frequently supported nationalist ideas and helped organise strikes and protests calling for an end to British dominance and the formation of an independent government.  The PFLB (Popular Front for the Liberation of Bahrain) emerged in the late 1960s, motivated by Arab nationalist and Marxist ideals, with the goal of challenging British authority and advocating for Bahrain's ultimate independence. Although the PFLB became more active after Bahrain's independence, its origins and actions were part of a larger nationalist and anti-colonial movement that contributed to the independence war. The larger Pan-Arab nationalist movements, led by figures such as Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, had a considerable impact on Bahrain's independence campaign. These movements promoted Arab identity and togetherness, rejecting colonialism and striving for independence throughout the Arab world. Religious leaders, notably those from the Shia minority, also advocated for increased autonomy and political reforms.

In Bahrain, negotiations between the British government and the ruling Al Khalifa family intensified in the 1960s. The United Nations also played a significant role, sending a fact-finding team to Bahrain in 1970 to determine the Bahraini people's views. The expedition confirmed that the vast majority of Bahrainis preferred independence above any option, including union with Iran, which claimed the island. Following these conversations and international pressure, the British government decided to surrender jurisdiction of Bahrain. Sheikh Isa, Bahrain's Emir at the time of independence, played an important part in negotiating the terms of the country's independence from Britain. He reconciled the demands of nationalist organisations with the necessity to preserve peace and obtain international recognition for Bahrain's sovereignty.  Thus Bahrain proclaimed independence on August 15, 1971, and Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa became the country's first Emir.

Bahrain after Independence
Bahrain's politics has changed dramatically since independence. As the country handled the difficulties of government and foreign relations, it experienced both development and setbacks. Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy in 2002 after adopting a new constitution that contained provisions for a bicameral legislature. This action was part of a larger initiative to implement political reforms and increase citizen engagement in governance.

However, Bahrain has encountered considerable obstacles, notably in the areas of human rights and political freedom. The country has had moments of upheaval and protest, with calls for more political representation and change. These concerns have attracted worldwide attention, prompting calls for more political and social changes.

In recent years, Bahrain has pursued its agenda of economic diversification and modernisation. Major infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Bahrain International Airport and the creation of new metropolitan areas like Bahrain Bay, have been critical components of the country's growth plan.

Bahrain has also taken an active role in regional diplomacy and security. Bahrain, as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has played an active role in attempts to maintain Gulf regional stability. The country has also developed strong relations with key global powers, like the United States, with which it has a longstanding security alliance.

Bahrain achieved independence on August 15, 1971, marking a watershed moment in the country's history. It marked the end of colonialism and the start of a new age of sovereignty and self-determination. Since that day, Bahrain has achieved amazing development in a variety of areas, converting itself into a modern, vibrant state with a strong economy and a significant position in the region. As Bahrain continues to grow and adapt to the difficulties of the twenty-first century, the country's independence past remains a source of pride and inspiration for its citizens. 

About the Author
Arya Madhavan S is a Postgraduate student of Department of Political Science and International Studies at Pondicherry University


 

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