Question

question 14 of 20

how did u.s. involvement in the persian gulf war begin?

a. the united states built up military forces in saudi arabia under operation desert shield.
b. the u.s. military led an international movement into kuwait to force iraqi troops to retreat.
c. the united states led a campaign of air bombings in the region under operation desert storm.
d. the u.s. military led an international effort to quash an iraqi attempt to invade saudi arabia.

Explanation:

Identify the initial phase of U.S. involvement

Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the immediate response of the United States was to prevent potential Iraqi aggression against Saudi Arabia. This defensive buildup of coalition forces was designated Operation Desert Shield.

Evaluate the options

• Option A correctly identifies Operation Desert Shield as the beginning of U.S. military involvement to protect Saudi Arabia.
• Option B describes the ground campaign, which occurred later.
• Option C describes Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase that began in January 1991 after the defensive phase.
• Option D is historically inaccurate because Iraq did not attempt to invade Saudi Arabia before U.S. forces arrived.

Answer:

• A. The United States built up military forces in Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield. (Correct answer)
• B. The U.S. military led an international movement into Kuwait to force Iraqi troops to retreat.
• C. The United States led a campaign of air bombings in the region under Operation Desert Storm.
• D. The U.S. military led an international effort to quash an Iraqi attempt to invade Saudi Arabia.