The year 1941 witnessed a pivotal moment in Iraqi history with the occurrence of a nationalist coup d'état on April 1st. Known primarily as the 1941 Iraqi coup d'état, it is also referred to as the Rashid Ali Al-Gaylani coup or the Golden Square coup, and in Arabic, ثورة رشيد عالي الكيلاني (Thawrah Rašīd ʿAlī al-Kaylānī). This significant political upheaval saw the overthrow of the existing pro-British government, led by Regent 'Abd al-Ilah and his Prime Minister Nuri al-Said, ushering in Rashid Ali al-Gaylani as the new Prime Minister.

The Road to Rebellion: Iraq's Post-Mandate Landscape

Following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Iraq was established as a British Mandate under the League of Nations. While it achieved nominal independence in 1932, becoming a sovereign kingdom, the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1930 ensured significant British influence, including rights to maintain military bases and control over oil resources. This arrangement, perceived by many Iraqis as a continuation of foreign dominance, fostered a growing tide of Arab nationalism throughout the country. Figures like Regent 'Abd al-Ilah and Prime Minister Nuri al-Said were seen by nationalists as being excessively accommodating to British interests, maintaining a regime that, despite its sovereign appearance, remained deeply tethered to London.

The Golden Square and Rashid Ali al-Gaylani's Ascent

The driving force behind the 1941 coup was a clandestine group of four influential Iraqi nationalist army generals, collectively known as "the Golden Square." These officers – Salah al-Din al-Sabbagh, Fahmi Said, Mahmud Salman, and Kamil Shabib – were fervent proponents of complete Iraqi sovereignty, believing that the limited independence granted in 1932 was insufficient. Their objective was to capitalize on the ongoing global conflict, World War II, to assert full Iraqi independence, free from lingering British control. Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, a prominent nationalist politician who had previously served as Prime Minister, became their chosen civilian leader, embodying their anti-British aspirations.

A Bold Bid for Independence: The Coup's Execution and International Alliances

On April 1, 1941, the Golden Square generals launched their swift and decisive coup, swiftly taking control and dissolving the existing government. Regent 'Abd al-Ilah and Nuri al-Said were forced to flee, clearing the path for Rashid Ali al-Gaylani to assume the premiership. This nationalist government, seeking leverage against the formidable British Empire, looked beyond traditional alliances. They actively engaged with German intelligence and openly accepted military assistance from both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. For the Axis powers, this alliance represented a strategic opportunity to destabilize British power in the Middle East, potentially disrupting vital oil supplies and opening a new front against the Allies.

The British Invasion and Its Lasting Consequences

The installation of a pro-Axis government in a strategically vital region, coupled with the potential threat to British oil interests and supply lines, was an unacceptable development for the United Kingdom. Perceiving the coup as a direct challenge to its influence and a grave threat to its wartime efforts, Britain responded swiftly and decisively. This led directly to the Anglo-Iraqi War, a brief but intense conflict that commenced in May 1941. British forces invaded Iraq, rapidly defeating the Golden Square's forces and compelling Rashid Ali al-Gaylani and his supporters to flee. The short-lived nationalist government was dismantled, and the pro-British monarchy, with Regent 'Abd al-Ilah reinstated, returned to power. Iraq subsequently remained under British occupation until 1947, a period during which British influence was firmly re-established and nationalist aspirations were temporarily suppressed, yet continued to simmer beneath the surface, shaping the trajectory of Iraq's modern history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1941 Iraqi Coup d'État

What was the primary goal of the 1941 Iraqi coup?

The main objective was to achieve full Iraqi independence from British influence, which nationalists felt was still significant despite Iraq's nominal independence in 1932. They sought to leverage World War II to sever these ties completely.

Who were "the Golden Square"?

The Golden Square was a group of four prominent Iraqi nationalist army generals – Salah al-Din al-Sabbagh, Fahmi Said, Mahmud Salman, and Kamil Shabib – who led the coup. They were instrumental in orchestrating the overthrow of the pro-British regime.

Why did the coup leaders seek assistance from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy?

To counter the overwhelming power of the British Empire, the nationalist leaders sought external support. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy were natural allies in this regard, as they shared a common adversary in Britain and were keen to expand their influence in the Middle East.

What was the immediate consequence of the coup?

The coup directly led to the British invasion of Iraq in May 1941, initiating the Anglo-Iraqi War. The British forces quickly defeated the nationalist regime, leading to its collapse and the restoration of the pro-British government.

How long did the British occupation last after the coup?

Following the British victory in the Anglo-Iraqi War, Iraq remained under British occupation until 1947, further solidifying British control and influence for several years.