The tiny nation of Qatar, about the combined size of Connecticut and Rhode Island, never had much going for it. Most of the people subsisted on fishing and pearling, and pearling went into a decline after the Great Depression in America created a market for cheaper Japanese-cultured pearls. The only reason for British involvement in the region at all was because of the widespread piracy that was threatening its trade. Britain took advantage of a civil war in Qatar during the 19th century to back one of the popular families and establish a modicum of security for itself. This was the agreement that served as the foundation of Qatar.

On this day, April 2, in 1970, after a British withdrawal from the entire Gulf region, Qatar formed its own constitution, marking its first day of self-rule.

By the time of Britain’s withdrawal, Qatar’s oil deposits were bringing the nation considerable wealth and prosperity. Briefly they considered joining the other newly independent British protectorates in the Gulf, what would become the present-day United Arab Emirates. Negotiations ultimately led nowhere, and Qatar struck out on its own.