1. Imperialism and Nationalism in the Middle East
Late 1800’s to early 1900’s

2. The Ottoman Empire (1800)

3. Challenges to Ottoman Power
During 1700’s/1800’s, European influence in the Middle East grew
The Ottoman Empire gradually started to lose territory to European nations
Began to be called the “sick man of Europe” since it was on the decline.

4. Ottoman Empire ( )

5. “The Young Turks”
Wanted to strengthen the Ottoman Empire and end Western influence
Overthrew the sultan in 1908; put new sultan in power to carry out their policies
Persecuted non-Muslim communities
Stressed differences between Turks and Arabs
Sided with Germany in World War I
Lost many of its provinces as a result

6. Rise of Modern Egypt
(Early 1800’s) Egypt becomes focus of rivalry between France and Britain
Both nations wanted to build and control the Suez Canal

7. Suez Canal More than 100 miles long
Connects Mediterranean and Red Seas
Reduced trip from London, England to Bombay, India by 5,150 miles
At first, only a few ships would travel through the canal per day. The travel time through the canal averaged 40 hours.
Today, oil tankers and cargo ships make up most of the canals traffic with a travel time of about 14 hours.

9. Muhammed Ali Considered the “father of modern Egypt”
Governor of Egypt in early 1800’s
Attempted to modernize Egypt with reforms
Those who came after him created a large debt
Egypt eventually sold rights to Suez canal to French and control of canal to British

11. Egyptian Independence
Finally declared independence in 1922
Did not regain control of the Suez Canal until 1956

12. Struggle for Iran
(1800’s) European powers also acquired spheres of influence in Iran
Shahs (Iranian leader) were weak; unable to resist European expansion

13. Reza Khan Iranian Army officer who seized power in 1925 Reforms:
Set up the Pahlavi dynasty
Reforms:
Tried to end foreign control
Attempted to modernize Iran

15. Conflict over Palestine
During the 1920’s and 1930’s this area became the center of conflict between Arabs and Jews

16. Zionism
Movement which seeks to re-establish a Jewish state in Palestine
began in the late 1800’s
Led by Theodor Herzl
Driven by growth of anti-Semitism (hatred or fear of Jews) in Europe and elsewhere
Jews from Europe begin to emigrate to Palestine

17. The Balfour Declaration
Jews from Europe begin to emigrate to Palestine
Britain issues this statement that supports both sides
Favors the establishment in Palestine of a Jewish homeland
Nothing should “prejudice the civil and religious rights of non-Jewish communities in Palestine”

19. The Seeds of Conflict
During the 1930’s, increased numbers of Jews move to Palestine
Zionists help them to settle by purchasing land from city landowners
Arab tenant farmers find themselves forced to leave; have trouble finding new work in the cities
**Conflict develops between Arabs and Jews in Palestine…

20. Review
Which empire was called the “sick man of Europe” because of its diminishing status?
Which person was called the “father of modern Egypt”?
Which person seized power in Iran in 1925 and attempted to modernize the country?
Which conflict developed in Palestine?
What is Zionism?