| 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. |
