History of the Middle East – 1800 to Present

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McMahon-Hussein Correspondence

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History of the Middle East – 1800 to Present

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. These letters promised the Arab leaders support for independence from the Ottoman Empire in exchange for their revolt against Ottoman rule, laying the groundwork for future Arab nationalism and significantly influencing the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The correspondence began in July 1915 and continued until March 1916, with McMahon making specific promises regarding Arab independence.
  2. Hussein interpreted McMahon's promises as covering all Arab lands, but there was ambiguity regarding which regions were included.
  3. The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence is often seen as a significant moment in the rise of Arab nationalism, as it galvanized support for independence among Arabs.
  4. After the war, the Sykes-Picot Agreement revealed that Britain and France had plans for dividing Ottoman territories, causing deep disillusionment among Arabs who had trusted British promises.
  5. The correspondence set the stage for future conflicts in the region, particularly regarding conflicting claims to territory and governance among Arab leaders and Western powers.

Review Questions

  • How did the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence influence Arab perceptions of British intentions during World War I?
    • The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence significantly influenced Arab perceptions by creating a sense of trust in British promises of support for independence from Ottoman rule. Sharif Hussein and other Arab leaders believed they were entering a partnership with the British that would lead to their liberation. This led to increased enthusiasm for the Arab Revolt as many Arabs felt they had a legitimate ally in their struggle for self-determination, despite later revelations about conflicting Western agendas.
  • Evaluate the impact of the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence on post-war Arab nationalism and political dynamics in the Middle East.
    • The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence had a profound impact on post-war Arab nationalism as it fostered expectations of independence and unity among various Arab groups. However, when these expectations were dashed by agreements like Sykes-Picot, it led to feelings of betrayal and resentment towards colonial powers. This disillusionment fueled nationalist movements across the region, as many Arabs sought to assert their rights to self-governance, ultimately shaping the political dynamics in a way that continues to affect Middle Eastern relations today.
  • Analyze how the promises made in the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence contrasted with subsequent Western policies regarding the Middle East after World War I.
    • The promises made in the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence directly contradicted subsequent Western policies like those outlined in the Sykes-Picot Agreement, which aimed to divide Ottoman territories among Britain and France. While McMahon assured Hussein of support for full independence for Arabs, the realities of post-war geopolitics prioritized imperial interests over Arab aspirations. This contradiction not only led to a legacy of mistrust but also sowed seeds for ongoing conflicts over national boundaries and governance in the region, illustrating a critical disconnect between political rhetoric and action during this transformative period.

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