Balfour Declaration

Definition

The Balfour Declaration was a statement issued by the British government in 1917 expressing support for the establishment of a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine. This declaration is significant as it marked a turning point in British policy regarding the Middle East and set the stage for future conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Balfour Declaration was communicated through a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community.
2. This declaration was partly motivated by British strategic interests during World War I, as Britain sought to gain support from Jewish communities in America and elsewhere.
3. The declaration did not specify how the rights of non-Jewish communities in Palestine would be protected, leading to tensions and conflicts in the following decades.
4. Following World War I, the Balfour Declaration became part of the British Mandate for Palestine, legitimizing Jewish immigration and settlement.
5. The declaration is often seen as one of the key factors leading to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it fueled aspirations for both Jewish statehood and Arab self-determination.

Review Questions

• How did the Balfour Declaration reflect British political motives during World War I?
  • The Balfour Declaration reflected British political motives during World War I by demonstrating Britain's desire to secure support from Jewish communities globally, particularly in the United States. By endorsing a national home for Jews in Palestine, Britain aimed to rally Jewish support against the Central Powers and enhance its geopolitical position in the Middle East. The declaration served both as a diplomatic strategy and a way to promote British interests as they engaged in wartime alliances.
• Discuss the implications of the Balfour Declaration on Arab-Jewish relations in Palestine.
  • The implications of the Balfour Declaration on Arab-Jewish relations were profound and complex. It fostered feelings of betrayal among Arabs who had been promised independence from Ottoman rule, leading to increased tensions between Jewish settlers and Arab residents. As Jewish immigration grew, clashes over land and political rights escalated, laying the groundwork for decades of conflict that continues to affect relations between Israelis and Palestinians today.
• Evaluate how the Balfour Declaration has influenced contemporary debates over statehood and sovereignty in Israel and Palestine.
  • The Balfour Declaration has significantly influenced contemporary debates over statehood and sovereignty in Israel and Palestine by serving as a historical document that both sides reference to support their claims. For many Israelis, it represents international recognition of their right to a homeland, while Palestinians view it as a symbol of colonialism and dispossession. This dual interpretation complicates peace negotiations, as each side seeks acknowledgment of their narratives and rights within a framework that has been shaped by this declaration's legacy.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement among Jews that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Mandate for Palestine: A legal commission for the administration of the territory of Palestine, assigned to Britain after World War I under the League of Nations.

Arab Nationalism: A political and cultural movement advocating for the unity and independence of Arab countries and peoples, often in opposition to Western imperialism.