Social and political change in Bahrain since the First World War

Abstract

This thesis is an overall attempt to examine man and his environment in Bahrain after the First World War and to define, if possible, his strengths and weaknesses, his failures and successes in meeting the demands of modern civilization. Bahrain, although not possessing large oil reserves, owes its existence as a modern state to the revenues of oil which it has enjoyed for a longer time than many of her neighbours. Therefore as a case study it is possible to examine the impacts of wealth, modernisation and education on this island community and the impulse given by these factors to the social changes and political awareness between the First World War and the present day. In attempting to study the social and political changes in Bahrain we cannot ignore the two decades immediately prior to the oil era, as during these years events occurred which made future changes easier. Items such as the establishment of a modern administration and education and the fact that they were a relatively stable community gave them the opportunity to observe and adopt further Western innovations, and as oil revenues became available, enabled them to build on this base and extend its social services. The material benefits had their impact on the social existence and political life of the people and naturally enough this produced certain stresses. These stresses were either of a personal or group nature or between the community and their changing environments. This work attempts to examine the development of this community, the problems which arose and the impact they had upon a traditional society. As the British had, and probably still have, a voice in the affairs of the Gulf, the work also tries to examine the role they played in Bahrain, and their triumphs and failures in shaping the events with the islands.