3.2 The Arab Revolt and its consequences

The Arab Revolt of 1916 marked a turning point in Middle Eastern history. Led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca, it aimed to secure Arab independence from Ottoman rule, capitalizing on the empire's weakening grip during World War I.

British support, promised through the McMahon-Hussein Correspondence, played a crucial role. However, conflicting agreements like Sykes-Picot and the Balfour Declaration set the stage for future conflicts, reshaping the region's political landscape.

Origins and Promises of the Arab Revolt

Sharif Hussein and Arab Nationalism

Top images from around the web for Sharif Hussein and Arab Nationalism

• 

  Category:Hajj 1324 AH - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Arab Revolt - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:TE Lawrence and the Arab Revolt 1916-1918 - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Hajj 1324 AH - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Arab Revolt - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Sharif Hussein and Arab Nationalism

• 

  Category:Hajj 1324 AH - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Arab Revolt - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:TE Lawrence and the Arab Revolt 1916-1918 - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Hajj 1324 AH - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Arab Revolt - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Sharif Hussein of Mecca led the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule in 1916
• Hussein sought Arab independence from Ottoman control
• Arab nationalism grew as a response to Ottoman Turkification policies
• Nationalists advocated for Arab cultural and political autonomy
• Ottoman Empire's weakening grip on its territories provided opportunity for revolt

McMahon-Hussein Correspondence

• Series of letters exchanged between Sharif Hussein and British High Commissioner Sir Henry McMahon
• Correspondence took place from July 1915 to March 1916
• British promised support for Arab independence in exchange for revolt against Ottomans
• Ambiguity in the letters led to conflicting interpretations of promised territories
• Dispute centered on whether Palestine was included in the promised Arab state

Ottoman Empire's Decline

• Ottoman Empire joined Central Powers in World War I
• Empire faced internal rebellions and external pressures
• Young Turk movement implemented centralization policies
• Turkification efforts alienated Arab populations
• Economic struggles and military defeats weakened Ottoman control

Key Figures and Events of the Arab Revolt

T.E. Lawrence and Military Strategy

• T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) served as British liaison to Arab forces
• Lawrence advised on guerrilla warfare tactics against Ottoman forces
• Coordinated attacks on Ottoman supply lines and communication networks
• Led raids on strategic locations (Aqaba)
• Helped mobilize Bedouin tribes to support the revolt

Faisal I and the Hashemite Dynasty

• Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein, became a key military leader in the revolt
• Faisal commanded the Northern Arab Army
• Hashemite dynasty claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad
• Family held traditional authority as custodians of holy sites in Mecca and Medina
• Faisal later became King of Syria (1920) and Iraq (1921-1933)

Major Battles and Campaigns

• Revolt began with the capture of Mecca in June 1916
• Arab forces seized control of Aqaba in July 1917
• Battle of Megiddo in September 1918 marked decisive victory against Ottomans
• Arab troops entered Damascus in October 1918
• Revolt concluded with Ottoman surrender and armistice in October 1918

Aftermath and Consequences of the Arab Revolt

Sykes-Picot Agreement and Mandate System

• Sykes-Picot Agreement secretly divided Ottoman territories between Britain and France
• Agreement contradicted promises made to Arabs in McMahon-Hussein Correspondence
• Mandate system established by League of Nations after World War I
• Britain received mandates for Palestine and Iraq
• France gained mandates for Syria and Lebanon

Balfour Declaration and Zionist Movement

• Balfour Declaration issued by British government in November 1917
• Declaration expressed support for establishment of Jewish national home in Palestine
• Conflicted with Arab aspirations for independence in the region
• Increased tensions between Arab and Jewish populations
• Led to long-term conflict over control of Palestine

Post-War Conferences and Treaties

• San Remo Conference in April 1920 formalized mandate system
• Conference allocated mandates to Britain and France
• Treaty of Sèvres signed in August 1920 partitioned Ottoman Empire
• Treaty granted independence to Hejaz under Sharif Hussein
• Sèvres Treaty later replaced by Treaty of Lausanne in 1923
  • Redefined borders of modern Turkey
  • Formalized end of Ottoman Empire