Nationalism & Imperialism in
the Middle East
World War 1

As the Ottoman Empire is weakening, Nationalism movements rise in
the Middle East.
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during WWI
& the establishment of European Mandate System in the Middle East
Ottoman Empire at height!
Ottoman Turks had ruled over the Middle East for over 500 years!
Arab Nationalist groups begin to call for an end of Ottoman
Control.
Nationalist movements and WWI will bring an
end to the Ottoman Empire!
Foreign enemies picked apart the OttomanFinally alliances in WWI will bring an end to the Ottoman Empire.
Arab Nationalism!

Arab Nationalist Leaders
 Hussein ibn Ali- Arabia
 With British backing,
Hussein launched the
Arab Revolt against
Ottoman forces in
Arabia on 5 June 1916.
 British promise to
Arabs independence ….
Hussein Ibn Ali
End of WWI- British &
Allies Win!

British had promised the Arabs, if the
Ottoman Empire was defeated in WWI,
Arabs would become independent and rule
themselves based on Arab cultures and
beliefs.
Europeans do not grant
Arabs independence!

 Once Ottoman lose the
war, their provinces….
Arab lands were taken
over by the
Europeans…
 Turks retained Asia
Minor, modern day
Turkey, as their state.
 European Mandate
System is Established.
Resources, oil, Suez Canal, Naval Security…
Many Reasons..
Russia wanted access to Black Sea & Mediterranean Sea, Brit’s wanted the Suez
Canal. Both Russia and Britain gained economic control in Iran.. Access to oil!
Suez Canal Symbol of
European Imperialism.

Arabia began its transformation into a country
ruled by the al-Saud family,
Also, several smaller nations were born out of the dead body of the Ottoman lands in the Middle East, including
the states of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and yet-to-be-born state of Palestine.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
New leader of Turkey
Modernized & Westernized the Country of Turkey
Discuss in detail information from home work about Ataturk’s
reforms!!