• Great Britain and the Otoman Empire sign a treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain, however, the nation remains under British administration.

  • The Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) discovers oil and production begins the following year.

  • The Hawar Islands, between Qatar and Bahrain, become part of Bahrain.

  • Britain announces that it will end its treaty relationships with nine states in the Persian Gulf by 1971.
  • Bahrain gains formal independence from Britain. 

  • Bahrain joins the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

  • As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Peninsula Shield Force, Bahrain participates in the US-led Operation Desert Storm against Iraq.

  • Bahrain and the United States sign a free trade pact.

  • Thousands of protest marchers demand a fully-elected parliament.

  • Thousands of illegal foreign workers rush to take advantage of a government-sanctioned amnesty.

  • Thousands of protesters gather in Manama, inspired by popular revolts that toppled rulers in Tunisia and Egypt. A security crackdown results in the death of several protestors.

  • Saudi troops are called in following further unrest. Authorities declare martial law and clamp down hard on pro-democracy activists. Protests continue, despite a ban on demonstrations. The focal point of demonstrations, the Pearl monument, is demolished.

  • Protesters clash with riot police in Manama at the funeral of Ali Ahmed Mushaima, who died in prison after being jailed for taking part in pro-democracy demonstrations. The authorities indefinitely ban all protests and gatherings.

  • National dialogue talks begin in an effort to end the unrest.

  • Bahrain reports the discovery of the kingdom's largest oilfield in more than 80 years.

  • Following the establishment of a taxation bureau the year before, Bahrain implements a regional value-added tax. 

Sources:

BBC News open_in_new
Britannica open_in_new