HIT 211 CHAP 6 (1)

Chapter Overview

  • Period: 1943-1975

  • Author: Samer A. Aoun

  • Theme: Exploring Lebanon's historical, economic, and political evolution during critical decades.

A. Switzerland Of The East

  • Economic Prosperity: Three decades of free-market economy.

    • Flourishing sectors: tourism, agriculture, education, democracy.

    • Strong banking system known for secrecy of accounts.

  • Cultural Significance: Beirut dubbed the ‘Paris of the Middle East’ and Lebanon as the ‘Switzerland of the East’.

B. 1948 And 1969 Events

  • Impact of the 1948 War: Arrival of 150,000 Palestinian refugees.

    • Major influence on Lebanese politics; benefited from political freedom.

  • Political Turbulence: 1958 rebellion against President Chamoun due to regional tensions.

  • US Intervention: Eisenhower doctrine invoked to stabilize Lebanon.

  • Six-Day War 1967: Lebanon remained neutral, but increased Palestinian refugee influx.

C. Khoury Regime

  • Political Changes: 1949 amendment allowed Khuri a second term under manipulated elections.

  • Growing Unpopularity: Corruption led to strikes and ultimate resignation in 1952.

D. Arab Nationalism 1958

  • Regional Upheaval: Nationalist uprisings threatened pro-Western governments.

    • Lebanon requested US military intervention.

  • Crisis Outcomes: The 1958 insurrection exposed vulnerabilities in the political system leading to reforms.

E. Chehabism: From Chehab to Hélou

  • Chehab's Regime: Focused on national unity and economic reforms; addressed Muslim grievances.

  • Economic Growth: Continued prosperity due to capital influx; aimed to reduce social imbalances.

  • Hélou Presidency: Continued similar policies but faced challenges of civil unrest and increasing sectarianism.

F. Increased Role of Palestinian Guerrilla

  • Guerrilla Activism: Palestinian groups operated from Lebanon, disrupting the confessional balance.

  • Cairo Agreement: Established PLO autonomy in Southern Lebanon but led to increased tension between communities.

G. 1969 Cairo Agreement

  • PLO Autonomy: Agreement allowed PLO to operate largely unchecked.

  • Consequences: Legitimized Palestinian presence but exacerbated sectarian divisions and resistance.

  • Long-term Impact: Fomented tensions leading up to the Lebanese Civil War.

Chapter Discussions

  • Assessments Needed: Perspectives on Lebanese neutrality, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Cairo Agreement's legacy.

Conclusion

  • Reflective Note: The ongoing struggles in Lebanon highlight the complexities of its historical and socio-political landscape.