Independence in the Middle East

The Mandate System

After WWI the League of Nations created "Mandates" for territories in the Middle East

These Mandates would be under the supervision of the League of Nations (France and Britain) until they could "govern themselves"

French Mandates: Syria and Lebenon

British Mandates:
Jordan and *Palestine

After WWII, the Mandate System is phased-out, and new staes were created in the Middle East

Untitled Slide

Independence resulted in many conflicts between the newly created states (mostly because of religious differences)

Israel

Large numbers of Jewish people began immigrating to the state of Palestine around the Russian Revolution

By 1929, Jews and Muslims fought violently and openly against one another

Following WWII, the Zionist movement petitioned for the creation of a Jewish state within Palestine

1948: United Nations declares the State of Israel created from Palestine

Several wars erupt between Israel and Arab states

Britain pulls out from any influence; violent wars immediately start between Jews and Muslims

Golda Meir

Golda Meir

• Prime Minister of Palestine
• Eventually Wins Yom Kippur War
• Becomes close ally with the United States; helps protect Israel today

Egypt

Egypt was a British colony, and particularly important because of the Suez Canal

Egyptians resentful of British for extract resources/controlling the canal; and resented their king for being in the "pocket" of the British

Gamal Abdul Nasser

• 1952: leads rebellion against the King and Imperial British
• Takes control of, and nationalizes, the Suez Canal
• Established relations with Soviet Union
• Built the Aswan Dam

Aswam Dam

• Needed better control over the Nile (low dam was not great)
• Construction/Engineering by the Soviets
• Helped created a booming economy for Egypt