Partition as a Political Tool The Growth of Arab Nationalism

What is Arab nationalism? Prior to the 19th Century, most of the Ottoman Empire did not see themselves as a group or nation. Arab Nationalism developed when people started to recognize that the Arabs had a shared history, culture, and language. Pride: Religion Culture Language History Independence from the Ottoman Empire

What were some of the reasons for its growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s? Collapse of the Ottoman Empire Promise of national independence Semi-independent monarchy in Saudi Arabia

Who was one of the most prominent Arab leaders Who was one of the most prominent Arab leaders? What were his ties to Islam? Sharif Hussein Desendant of Muhammad Guardian of Islam’s holiest cities Mecca and Medina Led semi-independent monarchy in Saudi Arabia

How did European powers attempt to use Arab nationalism to their advantage during WWI? Promised by Britain and Germany, if they attack Ottoman Empire national independence Land • Germany wanted the help of Hussein to undermine British and Russian interests in Persia and Iraq. The British wanted their help in fighting off the Ottoman Turks.

What was the main idea of the McMahon - Hussein correspondence in 1915? • Sir Henry McMahon (British Rep) wrote 10 letters to Hussein, promising Arab control of the territories that they would gain from the Ottoman Empire. The map was obscure, and it was not 100% clear that Palestine was included in the deal. The Arabs fought against the Ottoman Turks, thinking they were promised Arab control over the areas that are going to be liberated from the Ottoman Empire

What impact did the Sykes-Picot agreement have on the region? Middle East was divided between Britain and France France gained control of modern Syria and Lebanon. Britain gained control over Mesopotamia. Palestine would remain in international control. There was no mention of land for an independent Arab State.

What impact did the Sykes-Picot agreement have on the region? Middle East was divided between Britain and France France gained control of modern Syria and Lebanon. Britain gained control over Mesopotamia. Palestine would remain in international control. There was no mention of land for an independent Arab State.

Sykes-Picot Map