British Empire: Palestine Flashcards
When was the Balfour declaration ?
1917 , 2nd Novemeber
Why was the Balfour declaration significant?
Served British interests in Zionisms wanting to gain support for the Jewish homeland initiated in Palestine.
The British believed that jews had influence in the US and sought them, as an ally to help wih the fighting of world war I.
When was the Sykes- Picot agreement?
1916
Why was the Sykes picot agreement significant?
The secret deal amounted to the virtual carve up of the middle east as under the agreement the Arab lands wuld be directly ruled by the British or French which essentially went against the British’s promise to the Arabs of independence by favouring French interests as well as Jewish interests.
What were the Arabs historical claims to Palestine?
In the 16th century, the ottoman empire conquered much of the middle east. the arabs were forced to pay taxes and provide soldiers for their turklish masters. Thu, the arabs aims were to re-establish arab rule in the middle east.
What were the conditions of the promise made to the Arabs by the British?
- The british promised the Arabs independence of Palestine if they helped the British defeat the ottoman empire
What did the treaty of Versailles determine about the arab territories?
In june 28 1919 the league of nations outlined Britiain and france can impose their rule over arab territories.
Why was there a rise in Jewish nationalism following the 20th century?
- as a result of the aftermath of Nazism stimulating jewish terrorism, there was a higher demand for Jewish independence in Palestine described as their promised land in the scripture. Furthermore, US pressure supporting the Jews meant that the British had to relinquish their mandate in Palestine.
How did population statistics make the Balfour declaration appear unfair?
In 1917, Arabs were 90% of the population of the country, the Jews were 10% yet Britain chose to grant the national rights to the minority which were Jews.
How did the Land tract Ordinance increase Jewish influence in Palestine?
The Land tract Ordinance in 1920 made it easier for Jews to buy large tracts of land from Arabs, although it also required any new landlords to provide Arab peasants who worked their land.
What was the significance of the 1930 Passfield white paper?
In response to the 1929 riots, the British colonial secretary Lord Passfield issued the Passfield white paper in October 1930.
- the white paper criticised Zionist colonialism and limited Jewsih immigration in addition to condemning the actions of the Jewish Agency, especially the expulsion of Arabs from newly purchased land.
Describe the riots that took place in Tel Aviv in 1921
In Tel Aviv, the largest settlement in Palestine, riots erupted between rival Jewish groups. The fighting spread into Arab Jaffa and led to Arab attacks on Jews and their property. After two days of rioting, 200 Jews and 120 arabs were dead or wounded.
When was the Bitmore declaration
1942
Explain the Bitmore declaration?
Declaration of support for ‘ Jewish common wealth’ in all of Palestine
Explain the Struma disaster of feb 1942?
- Britian refused to grant permission for the passangers to enter Palestine and did not repair the ships broken engine.
- Turkish authorities docked the ship in instanbul for 70 days then sent the ship back to the black sea.
- However, a massive explosuion happened which sunk the ship cuased by a torpedo from Russian submarine.
- 103 children among the dead, only one survivor.
