Hussein of Jordan

Hussein, then 15, witnessed the assassination of his grandfather King Abdullah I in Jerusalem. This event shaped his political outlook and prepared him for his future role as king.

Hussein became King of Jordan at age 17 after his father King Talal was declared unfit to rule due to mental illness. He was formally crowned in 1953.

Hussein dismissed British General John Glubb, commander of the Arab Legion, asserting Jordanian sovereignty. This reduced British influence and aligned Jordan with Arab nationalism.

Jordan entered the Six-Day War against Israel alongside Egypt and Syria. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, resulting in a massive influx of Palestinian refugees into Jordan.

Hussein ordered the Jordanian military to suppress Palestinian militant groups (PLO) that threatened his rule. The conflict resulted in thousands of casualties and the expulsion of the PLO from Jordan to Lebanon.

Hussein signed a peace treaty with Israel at the Arava border crossing, normalizing relations. Jordan became the second Arab state to make peace with Israel, ending a 46-year state of war.