PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Independence in the Middle East
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
Independence resulted in many conflicts between the newly created states (mostly because of religious differences)
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
- Prime Minister of Palestine
- Eventually Wins Yom Kippur War
- Becomes close ally with the United States; helps protect Israel today
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