What was the impact of the break up of the Ottoman Empire after WWI?

First … some background info Ottoman Empire One of the most successful empires in Southwest Asia Lasted from 1299 – 1924 Stretched from parts of Southwest Asia to Europe and North Africa Land was settled by many different ethnic groups and religions – that all got along! Very successful … until WWI!

Ottoman Empire at it’s peak Note … what present-day countries were once part of the Ottoman Empire?

WWI and the end of the Ottoman Empire During WWI – sided with Axis Powers – Germany … on the side of the losing powers! Therefore, when war ended, the empire was broken up by the Allied Powers (which included US, Britain, and France)

A new country was formed The last remaining bit of the Ottoman Empire became the present-day country of Turkey!

Britain and France created artificial boundaries However, the rest of the empire was divided! Partitioning of the Ottoman Empire Britain and France created artificial boundaries No regards to ethnic groups or religious groups Groups that had never gotten along were now placed together! This created conflict!

France – Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia Britain – Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Palestine Italy - Libya NOTE … Israel is not a nation yet!

The importance of the British Mandates Britain controls the area of Palestine This becomes so important when we look at the Jewish exile! So … the rest of the story will pick up with the Jewish Exile!

Your turn … Your thoughts … We discussed ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARIES and the conflicts that arose. What are your thoughts? How can artificial boundaries create conflict? Think of the religions we’ve talked about. Why might these different religious groups find themselves in conflict? Write a brief statement about your thoughts on this idea of artificial boundaries and conflict.