1920

The League of Nations places Iraq under British mandate.

1932

Iraq becomes an independent state and is ruled as a constitutional monarchy.

1945

Iraq joins the United Nations and becomes a founding member of the Arab League.

1958

The monarchy is overthrown in a military coup led by General Abdul Karim Qasim. Iraq is declared to be a republic and Qasim becomes prime minister.

1961

The Kurds in northern Iraq ask for complete autonomy in Iraq and a share of oil revenues. Qasim rejects the plan and Kurds revolt against the government.

February 1963

Qasim is assassinated as the Arab Socialist Renaissance Party (Baath Party) takes power. Colonel Abdul Salam Arif becomes president.

1964

A cease-fire is declared with the Kurds.

1966

Arif is killed in a helicopter crash and succeeded by his brother, General Abdul Rahman Mohammad Arif.

1968

A group of Baathists and military officers overthrows the Arif regime. Ahmad Hasan al-Bakr becomes president...