Palestine: Interwar Conflicts and Key Events

Palestine

A geographic region in Western Asia, which has been the center of political and nationalistic conflicts, especially during the 20th century.

Balfour Declaration

A statement issued by the British government in 1917 that expressed support for the establishment of a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine.

Arab Nationalism

A political movement advocating for the unity and independence of Arab countries, which significantly influenced the Palestinian struggle during the interwar period.

British Mandate

The legal commission for the administration of Palestine granted to Britain by the League of Nations after World War I, which lasted from 1920 until 1948.

Jewish immigration to Palestine

Increased significantly during the interwar years, leading to conflicts over land ownership and political power between Jewish settlers and Arab inhabitants.

Arab revolt (1936-1939)

A resistance movement against British rule that highlighted growing tensions, as Palestinians resisted both British authority and Jewish immigration.

League of Nations

An intergovernmental organization founded after World War I to promote peace, which approved the British Mandate for Palestine in 1922.

Political tensions in Palestine

Marked by increasing violence and division by the end of the interwar period, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Consequences of the Arab revolt

Forced Britain to reconsider its approach to Palestine, leading to stricter immigration controls and proposed partition plans.

British policies during the Mandate period

Often favored Jewish immigration and land acquisition, creating resentment among Arab Palestinians.

Economic disparities in Palestine

Intensified divisions as Jewish settlers established thriving communities while many Arabs remained impoverished.

Impact of the Balfour Declaration on Jewish-Arab relations

Significantly impacted by affirming British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, fueling hopes among Jews and provoking fear among Arabs.

Stricter immigration controls

Implemented by Britain in response to the Arab revolt, aiming to address tensions between Jewish and Arab populations.

Partition plans proposed by Britain

Aimed to address both Jewish and Arab claims but ultimately failed to resolve the conflict.

Legacy of instability in Palestine

Contributed to subsequent events leading up to the establishment of Israel in 1948.

Interwar period

The time between World War I and World War II, during which Palestine was under British Mandate.

Jewish claims to Palestine

Intensified by the Balfour Declaration, leading to increased tensions with Arab populations.

National aspirations of Arabs

Felt to be ignored due to the Balfour Declaration and subsequent British policies.

Clashes between communities in Palestine

Escalated following the Balfour Declaration due to increased Jewish immigration.

Focal point for nationalist movements

Palestine became a center for both Jewish and Arab nationalist movements during the interwar period.

Violent unrest in Palestine

Highlighted by the Arab revolt, leading to British reconsideration of their policies.

Future resistance movements in Palestine

Set a precedent due to the grievances highlighted during the Arab revolt.