What historical events shaped the formation of Qatar?

Answer 1

There are probably two formative events that shaped the emergence of Qatar (eventually) as a monarchy under the current ruling family, the Al Thanis. The first was when Bahrain laid waste to much of Doha and Al Wakra. As a result the British became involved. To deal with Qatar, at that time a disparate collection of tribes and villages, they need a representative. The person chosen was Mohammed Al Thani, the head of Ad Dawha (current day Doha) and founder of the royal family. The second event was when Mohammad's son, Qassim, defeated the Ottoman's in pitched battle at the end of the nineteenth century, becoming Qatar's first national hero in the process.