Great Arab Revolt

Definition

The Great Arab Revolt was a military uprising that took place from 1916 to 1918, primarily against the Ottoman Empire, which controlled much of the Arab world at the time. This revolt aimed to achieve independence for Arab peoples and was supported by the British, who sought to weaken Ottoman control during World War I. The revolt is significant as it set the stage for the post-war political landscape in the Middle East and had lasting effects on Arab nationalism and the eventual Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The revolt was triggered by widespread discontent among Arabs with Ottoman rule, particularly regarding heavy taxation and military conscription during World War I.
2. Sharif Hussein bin Ali declared the revolt on June 10, 1916, signaling the beginning of coordinated military actions against Ottoman forces across several regions.
3. Key battles during the revolt included the capture of Aqaba and significant guerrilla warfare led by figures like T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia.
4. The revolt resulted in significant territorial gains for Arab forces but ultimately did not lead to full independence due to subsequent European colonial interests in the region.
5. The Great Arab Revolt laid the groundwork for future conflicts in the Middle East, influencing both Arab nationalism and the dynamics of Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine.

Review Questions

• How did Sharif Hussein bin Ali's leadership influence the outcome of the Great Arab Revolt?
  • Sharif Hussein bin Ali's leadership was pivotal in uniting various Arab factions against Ottoman rule during the Great Arab Revolt. His calls for independence inspired many Arabs to join the fight, leveraging local grievances against Ottoman policies. His role not only galvanized military efforts but also positioned him as a key figure in post-war discussions about Arab sovereignty, although his ambitions were ultimately complicated by European imperial interests.
• Discuss how the Balfour Declaration intersected with the aspirations of Arabs during and after the Great Arab Revolt.
  • The Balfour Declaration issued by Britain in 1917 promised support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, directly conflicting with Arab aspirations for independence that had been galvanized during the Great Arab Revolt. Many Arabs felt betrayed, as they had been led to believe that their cooperation against the Ottomans would result in their own independence. This tension laid the groundwork for future conflicts between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine as both groups sought self-determination in a post-war landscape shaped by Western interests.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Great Arab Revolt contributed to shaping modern-day Middle Eastern politics, particularly in relation to Arab nationalism and Jewish-Arab relations.
  • The outcomes of the Great Arab Revolt significantly shaped modern Middle Eastern politics by fostering a sense of Arab nationalism that demanded independence from foreign powers. Although the revolt did not lead to immediate success in achieving self-governance, it sparked nationalist sentiments that persisted throughout the 20th century. Additionally, its fallout complicated Jewish-Arab relations, especially with British colonial policies favoring Jewish immigration into Palestine post-revolt. The unresolved tensions from this period continue to influence political dynamics and conflicts in the region today.

Related terms

Sharif Hussein bin Ali:

The Sharif of Mecca who led the Great Arab Revolt, advocating for Arab independence and working with the British to mobilize support against Ottoman rule.

Balfour Declaration:

A statement issued by the British government in 1917 expressing support for a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine, which later fueled tensions between Jews and Arabs.

Arab Nationalism:

A political ideology advocating for the unification of Arab countries and peoples, heavily influenced by the aspirations that emerged during and after the Great Arab Revolt.