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McMahon-Hussein Correspondence

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World War I

Definition

The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence was a series of letters exchanged between Sir Henry McMahon, the British High Commissioner in Egypt, and Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca during World War I, in which the British promised support for Arab independence in exchange for their revolt against the Ottoman Empire. This correspondence played a critical role in shaping Arab nationalism and expectations regarding post-war territorial sovereignty.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The correspondence was initiated in July 1915 and continued until March 1916, establishing a framework for cooperation between Arab leaders and British forces.
  2. McMahon's letters suggested that Britain would recognize Arab independence over large parts of the Ottoman Empire, though specific boundaries were left ambiguous.
  3. The outcome of the correspondence led to significant disappointment among Arabs when post-war agreements like Sykes-Picot contradicted its promises.
  4. The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence is often seen as a pivotal moment that fueled Arab nationalist sentiments and aspirations for self-determination.
  5. Sharif Hussein's role as a leader in the correspondence helped legitimize his position among other Arab leaders and was crucial for rallying support for the Arab Revolt.

Review Questions

  • How did the promises made in the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence influence the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire?
    • The promises made in the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence played a significant role in motivating the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire by instilling hope among Arabs for independence and self-determination. Sharif Hussein bin Ali used these commitments to rally support from various Arab tribes, promising them autonomy and recognition from Britain. This correspondence established a critical alliance between Arab leaders and British forces, leading to a coordinated effort to combat Ottoman control during World War I.
  • Analyze the contradictions between the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence and the Sykes-Picot Agreement. What implications did this have for post-war Arab expectations?
    • The contradictions between the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence and the Sykes-Picot Agreement had significant implications for post-war Arab expectations. While McMahon's letters promised substantial territorial independence to Arabs, Sykes-Picot secretly divided those same territories between Britain and France. This betrayal led to widespread disillusionment among Arabs who had participated in the revolt based on British assurances, ultimately undermining trust in Western powers and fueling resentment that would affect regional politics for decades.
  • Evaluate how the outcomes of the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence influenced later geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
    • The outcomes of the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence had lasting influences on geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East by fostering a sense of betrayal among Arabs due to unmet promises of independence. This sentiment contributed to growing nationalism and demands for statehood, impacting various movements throughout the 20th century. Additionally, conflicting agreements like Sykes-Picot and later declarations such as Balfour created divisions that still resonate today, shaping ongoing conflicts and tensions within and between states in the region as they navigated colonial legacies and aspirations for sovereignty.

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