1. Nationalism in the SW Asia

2. Break up of the Ottoman Empire and westerns political and economic interest increased nationalism
After defeat of Ottomans they were only allowed to keep Turkey
In 1919 their historical enemy, Greece, attacked.
The Sultan was unable to stop them
Turkey

3. Brilliant commander who successfully led Turks against Greeks & British backers.
After winning the peace they overthrew the last sultan.
Kemal became president of new Turkish Republic
Mustafa Kemal

4. New Turkish Republic 1st republic in the Middle East & SW Asia
His goal was to transform Turkey into modern nation
His reforms included:
Separation of Islamic laws and laws of the nation
Abolished religious courts and created new legal system based on European law
Granted women the right to vote and hold office
Funded programs to industrialize
New Turkish Republic

5. From his leadership Turkey gained new sense of national identity
His people gave him the name “Ataturk” which means “father of the Turks”
He died in 1938
Ataturk

6. Reza Shah Pahlavi Like Ataturk he strove to modernize the country
Unlike Ataturk he kept all power for himself and did not establish a republic
In 1935 he changed the name from the Greek name, Persia, to Iran
Reza Shah Pahlavi

7. Before the war both Britain and Russia had spheres of influence (SOI) in Persia
Russia became preoccupied with the rev
Britain then tried to extend influence which triggered nationalist revolt
Persian army general seized power and overthrew ruling Shah
Persia Becomes Iran

8. Ibn Saud led a successful campaign to unify the tribes of Arabia.
His country held strictly to Islamic law
Loyalty to the Saudi gov is based on custom, religion and family ties
Modernization was limited to religiously acceptable areas until the 1970s.
Saudi Arabia

9. Oil Drives Development
Geologists found that the Middle East has 2/3 of world’s oil supply
Rising demand of oil in Europe led to extensive oil explorations and foreign investment by the West who wanted to dominate the area.
Oil will bring dramatic changes to the region
Oil Drives Development