Arthur Balfour

Definition

Arthur Balfour was a British statesman and Prime Minister who played a crucial role in shaping British foreign policy during World War I, most notably through the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917. This declaration expressed support for establishing a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine, reflecting significant political motivations and implications within the context of the region's future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arthur Balfour served as Foreign Secretary when he issued the Balfour Declaration on November 2, 1917.
2. The declaration was part of Britain's strategy to gain support from Jewish communities worldwide during World War I, especially in the United States and Russia.
3. Balfour's statement was met with mixed reactions; it was celebrated by Zionist leaders but led to increased tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine.
4. The Balfour Declaration is often seen as a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for future conflicts over land and national identity in Palestine.
5. Balfour later became Prime Minister and continued to influence British policies regarding the Middle East during his tenure.

Review Questions

• How did Arthur Balfour's political actions influence the dynamics between Jewish and Arab communities in Palestine?
  • Arthur Balfour's issuance of the Balfour Declaration created a significant turning point in Jewish-Arab relations. By expressing support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, Balfour inadvertently heightened tensions between Jewish settlers and the Arab population, who felt their aspirations for independence were being ignored. This declaration laid the foundation for conflicts that would arise over land and national identity in subsequent decades.
• Evaluate the motivations behind the Balfour Declaration and how it reflects British interests during World War I.
  • The motivations behind the Balfour Declaration were multifaceted, primarily aiming to secure support from Jews globally to bolster Britain’s war efforts. This move was intended to gain favor with influential Jewish communities, particularly in the United States, which was crucial for military and financial support. Additionally, it aligned with British interests in countering Ottoman control over Palestine while also addressing colonial aspirations.
• Assess the long-term implications of Arthur Balfour's policies on Middle Eastern geopolitics and its effect on subsequent historical events.
  • The long-term implications of Arthur Balfour's policies, especially through the Balfour Declaration, have had lasting effects on Middle Eastern geopolitics. By supporting a Jewish homeland without considering Arab rights, it set off decades of conflict over territory and sovereignty. The declaration contributed to growing nationalist movements among both Jews and Arabs, leading to wars, partition plans, and ongoing disputes that have shaped modern Middle Eastern history and continue to influence international relations today.

Related terms

Balfour Declaration: A statement issued by Arthur Balfour in 1917 that expressed British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which had profound implications for Arab-Jewish relations and the future of the region.

Sykes-Picot Agreement: A secret agreement between Britain and France in 1916 that outlined their proposed division of Ottoman territories in the Middle East after World War I, which conflicted with promises made to Arab leaders.

Zionism: A nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, which significantly influenced the context of the Balfour Declaration.