The three promises

Question 1

What was the McMahon Pledge? (1915-1916)

Answer 1

Britain promised Sharif Husayn of Mecca support for Arab independence in exchange for Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Question 2

Key points of the McMahon pledge

Answer 2

Promise of Arab independence across the middle east if Arabs supported Britian and France against the Ottomans.
Arabs fought a gruella campaign against Ottomans.

Question 3

What was the Sykes-Picot Agreement? (1916)

Answer 3

Britain secretly agreed with France to divide the Ottoman territories in the Middle East into spheres of influence, contradicting the promise of Arab independence.

Question 4

Key points of the Sykes-Picot Agreement

Answer 4

Divided their spheres of influence carelessly.
A small region, including Jerusalem, was to be administered internationally.
The secret agreement became public in 1917 when Russia withdrew from the war following the Bolshevik Revolution.

Question 5

What was the Balfour Declaration? (1917)

Answer 5

Britain promised to support the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, aiming to gain Jewish support, particularly from influential Jewish communities in the United States and Russia.

Question 6

Key points of the Balfour declaration

Answer 6

Commitment to a Jewish Homeland

Question 7

Why did Britain have strategic interests in the Middle East, particularly due to its control over the Suez Canal, which was vital for maintaining access to its colonies in India and beyond?

Answer 7

1. Strategic route to India and the Empire: The Suez Canal provided a much shorter sea route to Britain’s colonies, crucial for maintaining control and efficient communication across the vast British Empire.
2. Economic interests: The canal was a vital artery for trade, which made it economically advantageous for Britain.
3. Oil supply
4. Military significance: The Suez Canal was a critical military asset. Its control was essential for the defense of British interests in the Middle East and beyond.
5. Geopolitical influence: Allowed Britain to exert significant influence over the region, countering the ambitions of other European powers and maintaining a strategic foothold in the Middle East.