Leaving Cert History EUROPE (5) - Retreat from empire & aftermath: How did British withdrawal from

Question

How did British withdrawal from Palestine and/or the 1956 Suez Crisis contribute to tensions in the Middle East?

The British withdrawal from Palestine in 1948 and the Suez Crisis of 1956 had profound implications for the Middle East, creating lasting tensions in the region.

Firstly, the end of British mandate in Palestine led to the establishment of the state of Israel. This was marked by significant violence between Jewish and Arab communities, which fueled hostilities and left deep-seated grievances among Arabs.

Secondly, the Suez Crisis highlighted the declining power of Britain and left a power vacuum in the region. This situation encouraged nationalist movements, as seen in Egypt under Nasser, which sought to reclaim Arab dignity and sovereignty. The nationalization of the Suez Canal by Nasser in 1956 was a direct challenge to imperialist powers and resulted in the military intervention by Britain, France, and Israel. The subsequent withdrawal exposed the fragility of Western influence in the Middle East and fostered a sense of distrust towards foreign intervention.

In conclusion, these events not only shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also sowed the seeds of ongoing conflict that would last for decades.

How did British withdrawal from Palestine contribute to tensions in the Middle East?

How did the 1956 Suez Crisis contribute to tensions in the Middle East?

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