Back to the full dot-point answer
NSWModern HistoryQuick questions
Section III (Peace and Conflict): Conflict in the Gulf 1980-2011
Quick questions on Bush 43 and the decision for war: HSC Modern History Conflict in the Gulf
14short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the WMD case?Show answer
The administration's public case centred on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.
What is the Bush ultimatum?Show answer
Bush addressed the nation from the Cross Hall of the White House on 17 March 2003 at 20:00 Eastern time:
What is cheney VFW speech?Show answer
"Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction."
What is rice on CNN?Show answer
"We don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud."
What is congressional vote?Show answer
The Iraq War Resolution passed House 296-133 and Senate 77-23.
What is national Intelligence Estimate?Show answer
Stated "Iraq has continued its weapons of mass destruction programs" and was "reconstituting its nuclear weapons program." The NIE had significant dissents footnoted but obscured.
What is powell UN address?Show answer
A 76-minute presentation with intelligence on mobile biological weapons labs, aluminium tubes for centrifuges, al-Qaeda links, and Iraqi obstruction. Powell's reputation lent enormous credibility. The intelligence was largely false.
What is uNSCR 1441?Show answer
Passed 15-0 after eight weeks of negotiation. Gave Iraq a "final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations." Welcomed UNMOVIC and IAEA inspectors back.
What is iraqi declaration?Show answer
The 12,000-page Iraqi declaration claimed Iraq had no WMD.
What are inspections?Show answer
Hans Blix's UNMOVIC and Mohamed ElBaradei's IAEA conducted around 700 inspections. They found no active WMD programs. Blix's 14 February 2003 report noted Iraqi cooperation was "active" though imperfect.
What is failed second resolution?Show answer
The US, UK, and Spain circulated a draft second resolution. Securing 9 of 15 votes was difficult: France (Chirac 10 March 2003 veto pledge), Russia, China, Germany were against. The draft was withdrawn on 17 March 2003.
What is q1?Show answer
Source A is an extract from Powell's UN address (5 February 2003). Using Source A and your own knowledge, explain the case for war made by the Bush administration. [5 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Evaluate the extent to which the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a war of choice rather than necessity. [25 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Compare the views of Bob Woodward and Melvyn Leffler on Bush's personal role in the decision for war. [10 marks]