Page "European influence in Afghanistan" Paragraph 59

On 20 February 1919, Habibullah Khan was assassinated on a hunting trip.

He had not declared a succession, but left his third son, Amanullah Khan, in charge in Kabul.

Amanullah did have an older brother, Nasrullah Khan.

But, because Amanullah controlled both the national treasury and the army, Amanullah was well situated to seize power.

The army's support allowed Amanullah to suppress other claims and imprison those relatives who would not swear loyalty to him.

Within a few months, the new amir had gained the allegiance of most tribal leaders and established control over the cities.