The First Gulf War began in August 1990 when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded and annexed its small, oil-rich neighbor, Kuwait.

Iraq's motivations included claims that Kuwait was stealing Iraqi oil and a desire to cancel a large war debt owed to Kuwait.

The invasion was met with immediate and widespread international condemnation, led by the United States and the United Nations.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding Iraq's withdrawal and authorizing the use of force if it did not comply.

The United States organized a massive international coalition of 35 countries to oppose the invasion.

The first phase of the coalition's response was Operation Desert Shield, a military buildup in Saudi Arabia to protect it from a potential Iraqi attack.

After Iraq failed to withdraw by the UN deadline, the coalition launched the military campaign, Operation Desert Storm, in January 1991.

The campaign began with a devastating month-long aerial bombing campaign against Iraqi targets.

This was followed by a 100-hour ground war that swiftly liberated Kuwait and destroyed much of the Iraqi army.

The war ended with a ceasefire, but Saddam Hussein was left in power in Iraq.