Balfour Declaration

Definition

The Balfour Declaration was 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. This declaration played a crucial role in the shaping of modern Israel and influenced international relations in the Middle East, particularly in the context of post-World War I territorial changes and the rise of nationalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Balfour Declaration was made in a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Baron Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community, dated November 2, 1917.
2. The declaration's phrasing included an assurance that 'nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine'.
3. The Balfour Declaration was part of a broader strategy by Britain to gain support from Jewish communities during World War I, as they were influential in various countries.
4. After World War I, the declaration was incorporated into the mandate for Palestine established by the League of Nations in 1920.
5. The declaration significantly contributed to tensions between Jewish and Arab populations in Palestine, ultimately leading to conflict that persists today.

Review Questions

• How did the Balfour Declaration reflect British interests during World War I and its aftermath?
  • The Balfour Declaration was primarily motivated by British strategic interests during World War I. By supporting a national home for the Jewish people, Britain sought to gain favor with Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in the United States and Russia, hoping this would encourage their governments to support the Allies. Additionally, as Britain aimed to expand its influence in the Middle East after the war, establishing a foothold through Jewish settlement in Palestine was seen as beneficial for controlling the region.
• Evaluate the impact of the Balfour Declaration on Arab-Jewish relations in Palestine following World War I.
  • The Balfour Declaration had a profound impact on Arab-Jewish relations, intensifying existing tensions and fueling nationalist sentiments among both communities. While it aimed to create a national home for Jews, it simultaneously disregarded the political aspirations of the Arab population living in Palestine. This led to widespread resentment and opposition among Arabs, culminating in violent clashes and ongoing conflict over land rights and governance as both groups sought self-determination in an increasingly contested territory.
• Analyze how the Balfour Declaration contributed to long-term geopolitical changes in the Middle East throughout the 20th century.
  • The Balfour Declaration significantly altered geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East by laying groundwork for the eventual establishment of Israel in 1948. Its support for a Jewish homeland contrasted sharply with Arab aspirations, leading to decades of conflict that have reshaped regional politics. The tensions ignited by the declaration have persisted into contemporary issues such as refugee crises, territorial disputes, and complex international relations involving various states and organizations that continue to be influenced by both historical promises and modern realities.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for the return of the Jewish people to their historic homeland in Palestine.

Mandate System: A legal framework established after World War I that assigned former Ottoman territories to European powers for administration, notably including Palestine.

League of Nations: An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation, which was intended to address issues such as territorial disputes stemming from the war.