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 a pivotal moment in the history of Zionism and has had lasting implications for the Arab-Israeli conflict, as it laid the groundwork for Jewish immigration to Palestine and increased tensions between Jewish and Arab communities in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Balfour Declaration was issued on November 2, 1917, during World War I, when Britain sought to gain support from Jews worldwide against the Central Powers.
2. The declaration was communicated in a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community.
3. While the declaration expressed support for Jewish self-determination, it also stated that nothing should prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine.
4. The Balfour Declaration was a key factor leading to increased Jewish migration to Palestine in the following decades, contributing to demographic changes in the region.
5. The declaration is often viewed as one of the primary catalysts for the Arab-Israeli conflict, as it fueled Arab fears of losing their land and led to rising tensions between Jewish settlers and Arab residents.

Review Questions

• How did the Balfour Declaration influence Jewish immigration to Palestine in the years following its issuance?
  • The Balfour Declaration significantly impacted Jewish immigration to Palestine by providing official British support for a Jewish homeland. This endorsement encouraged many Jews fleeing persecution, especially during and after World War I, to migrate to Palestine. The influx of Jewish immigrants heightened tensions with the local Arab population, who were concerned about their rights and land ownership, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
• Discuss how the Balfour Declaration is viewed in different narratives regarding Zionism and Arab nationalism.
  • In Zionist narratives, the Balfour Declaration is seen as a monumental achievement that legitimized their aspirations for a national home in Palestine. Conversely, Arab nationalists view it as a betrayal and an act of imperialism that disregarded the rights and aspirations of Palestinian Arabs. This divergence in perspectives illustrates how historical documents like the Balfour Declaration can be interpreted differently based on cultural and national identities.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Balfour Declaration on the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict.
  • The long-term consequences of the Balfour Declaration are profound and complex, shaping the course of Israeli-Palestinian relations. The declaration not only facilitated Jewish settlement in Palestine but also ignited fears among Arabs regarding their future in their homeland. Over time, this led to increasing violence, political unrest, and competing national claims that continue to fuel the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. The legacy of the Balfour Declaration is still evident today as both communities grapple with issues related to identity, rights, and territorial claims.

Related terms

Zionism: A nationalist movement among the Jewish people that emerged in the late 19th century, aiming to establish a homeland for Jews in Palestine.

Arab Nationalism: A political and cultural movement advocating for the unity and independence of Arab peoples, particularly in response to colonialism and foreign intervention.

British Mandate: The legal commission given to Britain by the League of Nations to govern Palestine from 1920 until 1948, which followed the Balfour Declaration.