Course Description
In 1990-1991, the United States of America, under President George H. W. Bush, along with several allied nations launched a massive military operation in the tiny nation of Kuwait at the northern boundary of the Persian Gulf. This was the first war following Viet Nam in which America was actively involved in a combat role. Indeed, the United States played a key part in organizing, funding, building, executing, and maintaining the war. It was a historic confrontation in that it was the most widely-seen war in history, covered heavily on television, radio, internet, and other media outlets across the globe.
Beginning with Operation Desert Shield, which yielded to the much larger Operation: Desert Storm, this conflict became known as the First Gulf War. This course will examine the history and setting of the Gulf War, the motivations for fighting it, the strategies and tactics that were used, and the battles that were fought. In addition, an examination of how the Gulf War changed the nature of war, the reaction to the conflict at home, and dealing with the aftermath will be undertaken to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the conflagration.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
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Learning Outcomes
By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Define the geographic features of the Arabian Peninsula that influenced its historical economic and political development.
- Identify the key historical events and kingdoms that contributed to the rise of the Islamic caliphate in the Arabian Peninsula.
- Describe the historical factors leading to the religious and political division that set the stage for conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War.
- Recognize the primary doctrinal differences between Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
- Describe the historical relationship between Kuwait and Iraq and its influence on their modern political landscapes.
- Identify the key geographical features of Iraq and explain their significance to the country's history and economy.
- Define the roles and contributions of key allied figures like H.H. Shaikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al Sabah, Javier Decuellar, and King Fahad during the Gulf War.
- Identify the strategic positions and military responsibilities of Iraqi figures such as Ali Hassan Majid and Tariq Aziz within the context of the Gulf War.
- Define key terminology related to the Gulf War and Middle East, including organizations, regions, and warfare strategies.
- Identify the functions and significance of military equipment and organizations within the context of the Gulf War.
- Analyze the impact of logistical strategies on the success of U.S. military deployments during the Gulf War.
- Identify and describe the key military operations of the Gulf War, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Instant Thunder.
- Identify and describe the primary functions and significance of key military and geopolitical terms related to the Gulf War and Middle East.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
An Introduction | 5 points |
Lesson 1 Assignment | 20 points |
WWI and the Middle East | 20 points |
Lesson 1 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 2 Assignment | 20 points |
Lesson 2 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 3 Assignment | 20 points |
Lesson 3 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Assignment | 20 points |
Charles 'Chuck' Horner | 20 points |
Lesson 4 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 5 Assignment | 20 points |
Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden | 20 points |
Lesson 5 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 6 Assignment | 20 points |
Republican Guard | 20 points |
Lesson 6 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 7 Assignment | 20 points |
The Importance of Kuwait | 20 points |
Lesson 7 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 8 Assignment | 20 points |
The Lebanese Civil War | 20 points |
Lesson 8 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 9 Assignment | 20 points |
Lesson 9 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 10 Assignment | 20 points |
Maneuver Warfare in the Gulf War | 20 points |
Lesson 10 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 11 Assignment | 20 points |
America gets involved in the Middle East | 50 points |
Why did Hussein Invade Kuwait? | 20 points |
Lesson 11 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 12 Assignment | 20 points |
Lesson 12 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 13 Assignment | 20 points |
People Behind Desert Shield | 20 points |
Lesson 13 Exam | 6 points |
Lesson 14 Assignment | 20 points |
Why was the Gulf War different? | 20 points |
Lesson 14 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 15 Assignment | 20 points |
Iraqi Air Defenses? | 25 points |
Lesson 15 Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 16 Assignment | 20 points |
Hussein Tries to defend Iraq and break up the Coalition | 5 points |
Lesson 16 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 17 Assignment | 20 points |
Aftermath of the Gulf War | 20 points |
Lesson 17 Exam | 10 points |
Was the Gulf War Worth it? | 20 points |
Was it Worth It? | 20 points |
The Final Exam | 52 points |