Withdrawal from Middle East 1939 -1947

Question 1

Why was Palestine so unstable by 1945?

Answer 1

Massive increase of Jews (from Nazi persecution) - deterioration of relations between Jews and Arabs

Question 2

What did the British want to do to stop this breakdown?

Answer 2

Limit Jewish immigration

Question 3

What was the first problem for Britain in limiting Jewish immigration?

Answer 3

USA (Truman) and int opinion favoured Jewish settlement after Nazi persecution - GB needed economic ties with USA

Also needed allies in Middle East - Oil

Question 4

What was the second problem GB faced

Answer 4

Jewish terrorism against british troops - GB couldnt police country in violence during war

Question 5

What did Britain try instead - politically

Answer 5

Negotiations between jews and arabs for solutions:

1. Unitary state - one group dominate - Arabs yes but Jewish leadership no
2. Pronvincial autonomy - Palestine would be divided and each ahd a bit of self control - Jews rejected as would still be majority Arab rule