Zionism and the Balfour Declaration

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Questions and Answers

Who is credited with generating organized support behind the idea of Zionism?

Babette Léonard

Lord Rothschild

Arthur Balfour

Theodor Herzl (correct)

What was the significance of the Balfour Declaration?

It partitioned Palestine into Jewish and Arab parts.

It stated the official British support for a Jewish State in Palestine. (correct)

It was a letter from Herzl to the British Government.

It opposed the creation of a Jewish State in Palestine.

Why were there mounting tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine in 1947?

Because of the increasing Jewish immigration to Palestine (correct)

Because of the Arab-Israeli War

Because of the Holocaust

Because of the UN partition plan

What was the purpose of the UN partition plan in 1947?

To divide Palestine into Jewish and Arab parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a possible location for the creation of a Jewish State?

France Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Arab-Israeli War in 1948?

The Jews won and the State of Israel was created Signup and view all the answers

Why did the USA say the UK needed to have some Jewish immigrants?

Because the USA didn't want to accept all Jewish immigrants Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of 1948 in the context of the creation of the State of Israel?

It was the year the State of Israel was created Signup and view all the answers

What was a major contributor to Western economic growth in the 1950s and 1960s?

Cheap fuel for industry and transport Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1971 OPEC agreement?

Higher prices for oil producers Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the 1973 Middle East War on oil prices?

Price per barrel increased from $3 to $12 Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the 1973 oil embargo on Western economies?

Fall in industrial activity and inflation Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the oil profits invested through Western banks?

They were invested in developing countries as cheap loans Signup and view all the answers

What was the turning point in relations between oil producers and their suppliers?

The 1973 Yom Kippur War Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage increase in oil prices by OPEC in October 1973?

Two-thirds increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of building Iran as a regional superpower?

To create a modern and fully developed industrialized country Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the Arab oil producers' embargo on oil supplies in 1973?

To punish countries that aided Israel Signup and view all the answers

Why is Iran not involved in the Arab-Israeli feud?

Because it is a non-Arab country with cordial relationships with Israel Signup and view all the answers

What was the Shah's ambition for Iran?

To turn Iran into a modern and fully developed industrial country Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the country's quick evolution and expansion?

High inflation and strain on city infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What was a problem that troubled the country in addition to inflation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What was Iran one of the highest buyers of?

State-of-the-art American weapons Signup and view all the answers

Who became the Prime Minister of Iran in 1978?

Shapour Bakhtiar Signup and view all the answers

When did Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini return to Iran?

On 1 February 1979 Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the fear of Soviet influence in the Gulf region?

The Soviet invasion of Iran's neighbor Signup and view all the answers

When did Afghanistan gain its independence from the British?

1919 Signup and view all the answers

What was Prince Daoud's goal after the coup in 1973?

To remain President for life Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the Afghan population to Taraki's reform programme?

They deeply unpopular and offended Islamic traditions Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Taraki's radical reform programme?

It led to a series of local uprisings Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the communist government to opposing views?

They were very repressive and killed many political prisoners Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reforms included in Taraki's programme?

Improving women's rights Signup and view all the answers

Who replaced Prince Daoud after the military coup?

Taraki, a communist backed by the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor contributing to the failure of détente?

Differences in perspectives between the US and the USSR Signup and view all the answers

Why did conservatives in the US oppose détente?

Because it didn't stop the Soviets from interfering abroad Signup and view all the answers

What was the expectation of the US from the USSR during détente?

That the USSR would behave like a 'normal' country Signup and view all the answers

Why did liberals in the US oppose détente?

Because it didn't improve human rights Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Nixon's fall on détente?

It became less popular Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of détente on Europe?

It had a positive impact Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Soviet's interference in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia?

It made things worse Signup and view all the answers

What was the main problem with the American and Soviet perspectives on détente?

They were too different Signup and view all the answers

What is a security dilemma?

A situation where one country's actions to improve its security are perceived as a threat by another country. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Israel attack Egypt's air force?

To prevent Egypt from attacking Israel. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main dispute that led to the Six-Day War?

Dispute over the exploitation of the Jordan river Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Jordan after it started attacking Israel?

It retreated quickly due to lack of air support from Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

What did Israel plan to do with the water from the Jordan river?

Divert it for industrial and irrigation purposes Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the situation after the United States sent its sixth Fleet?

An agreement on a ceasefire was reached. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Israel's actions in the war?

Israel took control of the Sinai desert up to the Suez Canal. Signup and view all the answers

What was Egypt's response to Israel's plan to divert the Jordan river?

Egypt initiated a plan to bypass Israeli construction Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Syrian MiGs during the border incidents?

They were shot down Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the hotline between Moscow and Washington?

It was a hotline for diplomatic communications, used for the first time during the crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Israeli canal from the Sea of Galilea?

To divert water to the Negev desert Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the United States in the crisis?

It sent its sixth Fleet to negotiate a ceasefire. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Israeli attack on Syrian construction?

The construction was stopped before it could be completed Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Israel's actions on the region?

The region became more unstable and tense. Signup and view all the answers

What territory did Israel take over in the south?

Sinai Desert Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Six Day War for the refugee problem?

It worsened markedly Signup and view all the answers

Why did Israel refuse to return East Jerusalem?

It was symbolically important from a religious perspective Signup and view all the answers

What was the basis for the Arab-Israeli settlement?

UNSC Res° 242 Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Six Day War for Israel's security situation?

It improved Signup and view all the answers

What territory did Israel take over from Syria?

Golan Heights Signup and view all the answers

How many people fled from Gaza and the West Bank after the Six Day War?

300,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was a principle of UNSC Res° 242?

The acquisition of territory by war is inadmissible Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind Theodor Herzl's decision to support the creation of a Jewish state?

He was disillusioned with the assimilation of Jews in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical context of the Balfour Declaration in 1917?

The increase in anti-Semitic sentiments in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of continuous persecution and blame of Jews throughout European history?

Jews became more isolated from European society Signup and view all the answers

What was the main problem in the Middle East, according to the text?

The conflict between the Arabs and the Jews Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Theodor Herzl in the history of Israel?

He was a Zionist leader who advocated for a Jewish state Signup and view all the answers

What was the situation of Jews in Europe by the 19th century?

Jews were blamed for all economic problems and were persecuted Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the rise of nationalism in Europe in the 19th century?

Jews were more isolated from European society Signup and view all the answers

What was the widespread sentiment towards Jews in Europe throughout history?

Jews were blamed for everything that went wrong Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Geneva Accords in 1988?

Najibullah remained in power Signup and view all the answers

What was the Soviet Union's plan by the end of 1986?

To withdraw from Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of some in the American government?

To make the Soviet Union 'bleed' and force radical changes Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the continued fighting in Afghanistan?

The Taliban fought against the Northern Alliance Signup and view all the answers

What tactic did the Soviet Union use in 1985-86?

Spreading of landmines Signup and view all the answers

Who became the Soviet leader by the end of the Cold War?

Gorbachev Signup and view all the answers

Why did the civil war continue in Afghanistan?

Because the US and USSR continued to provide weapons Signup and view all the answers

What was the situation in Afghanistan by 1992?

The Soviet Union had ceased to exist, and the civil war was ongoing Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind Israel's plan to divert the Jordan river?

To use the water for industrial and irrigation purposes Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of Egyptian President Nasser to Israel's plan to divert the Jordan river?

He invited other Arab leaders to discuss a plan to bypass Israeli construction Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Israeli preventive strikes on Syria in 1965-66?

The Syrian air force was severely weakened Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Golan Heights in the border incidents leading up to the Six-Day War?

It was the site of a major Israeli attack on Syrian positions Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the border incidents on April 7, 1967?

Six Syrian MiGs were shot down Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Jordan river in the context of the Six-Day War?

It was a vital source of freshwater in a dry region Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the period of economic stagnation and high inflation experienced by the US during the 1970s?

Stagflation Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the US imposing trade taxes on certain imports during the 1970s?

To retaliate against foreign countries that were exporting cheap products and hurting American companies Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Nixon's decision to stop the convertibility of the US dollar into gold?

The transition to a free-floating exchange rate system Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a currency that is undervalued, making it cheaper for other countries to buy products from that country?

Undervalued currency Signup and view all the answers

Why did fixed exchange rates not accurately represent the true value of a currency?

Because they did not reflect the true economic performance of a country Signup and view all the answers

What was the advantage of a free-floating exchange rate system?

It reflected the true economic performance of a country Signup and view all the answers

Why did the US support the economies of West Germany and Japan after the war?

To relaunch their economies and prevent the spread of communism Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the Nixon shock on the global economy?

The shift towards free-floating exchange rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Iran's development into a regional superpower?

To create a fully developed and industrialized country Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Iran's rapid modernization and expansion?

High inflation and infrastructure challenges in cities Signup and view all the answers

What was a major problem that troubled the country along with inflation?

The autocratic dictatorial rule of the Shah Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that contributed to Iran's economic problems by 1975?

The withdrawal of investors Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Shapour Bakhtiar's appointment as Prime Minister in 1978?

It was a concession to the growing domestic opposition Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant event that occurred in 1979, following the Shah's exile?

The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Iranian Revolution, compared to the French and Russian Revolutions?

It was a more violent and radical revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was Iran's position in relation to the Arab-Israeli feud?

It was a non-Arab country with cordial relationships with Israel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason behind Israel's refusal to negotiate the territories with the Arabs?

They had no reason to negotiate as they improved their security Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Resolution 242 in the context of Arab-Israeli settlement?

It is a resolution that states it is inadmissible to acquire territory by war Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategic goal behind Anwar Sadat's surprise attack on Israel during the Yom Kippur War?

To force negotiations and gain leverage Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Yom Kippur War with regards to the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The war resulted in a quick advance and quick reversal Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Hafez Al-Assad's seizure of power in Syria?

It led to a shift in the balance of power in the region Signup and view all the answers

Why did Anwar Sadat choose to launch the surprise attack on Yom Kippur?

Because it was a day when the Israeli military was least expecting an attack Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind the Arab-Israeli conflict?

The desire to destroy the State of Israel Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Yom Kippur War on the Arab-Israeli conflict?

It led to a significant increase in sympathy for the Arab cause Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the Soviet Union's decision to intervene in Afghanistan?

Fear of Islamic takeover Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the failed rescue mission for Jimmy Carter's re-election campaign?

It led to his loss in the election to Ronald Reagan Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for the release of the 53 American hostages after 444 days?

The Algerian government mediated a deal between the US and Iran Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979?

It effectively ended the détente period and re-introduced a period of confrontation between the two superpowers Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the rescue mission in Iran?

To capture all 53 hostages in a densely populated and hostile city Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the sandstorm on the rescue mission in Iran?

It led to the crash of a helicopter into a C-130 tanker aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of President Taraki's visit to Moscow in September 1979?

He was eliminated by Amin, a megalomaniac hard-liner Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of the Afghan population to Taraki's radical reform programme?

They opposed his reforms, leading to a series of uprisings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Rise of Zionism

Theodor Herzl was not the first to propose a Jewish state, but he was the first to gain significant political support for the idea.
He organized support from influential people and governments in Europe, appealing to a minority of Jews in Europe who faced anti-Semitism.

The Balfour Declaration

The Balfour Declaration was a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, announcing British support for a Jewish state in Palestine.
The declaration was not specific about the location of the state, with options including Palestine, Argentina, Uganda, Suriname, and Madagascar.

The Creation of Israel

In 1947, the UN proposed a partition plan, dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab parts.
After the Holocaust, Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, leading to tensions between Arabs and Jews.
The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, followed by the Arab-Israeli War.

The Middle East War and Oil Crisis

The 1967 Six-Day War and 1973 Yom Kippur War led to a rise in oil prices and a shift in global power dynamics.
Western economies were heavily dependent on oil imports, with little effort made towards energy conservation.
In 1971, OPEC agreed to push for higher prices, leading to a price increase from 3to3 to 3to12 per barrel by 1974.

The Iranian Revolution

The Shah of Iran aimed to modernize and industrialize the country, but rapid growth led to inflation, inequality, and domestic opposition.
The Shah was exiled in 1979, and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to establish an Islamic republic.
The revolution had a significant impact on the global balance of power, comparable to the French and Russian revolutions.

The Soviet Union and Afghanistan

Afghanistan gained independence from Britain in 1919 and became a republic in 1973 after a coup.
The Soviet Union supported the Marxist government of Afghanistan, which implemented radical reforms to modernize the country.
However, these reforms were deeply unpopular, and the government's repression led to local uprisings and military mutinies.

Détente and the Cold War

The US and Soviet Union pursued a policy of détente, but it became unpopular in the US due to perceived Soviet aggression and human rights violations.
Conservatives saw détente as benefiting the Soviets, while liberals believed it did not address human rights concerns.
The US and Soviet Union had fundamentally different perspectives on détente, leading to its failure.

Historical Background of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Jews have been blamed for everything going wrong throughout history, leading to a history of pogroms and persecution in Europe.
Theodor Herzl (1897) proposed the establishment of a Jewish state in his book "Der Judenstaat" after being disillusioned with the assimilation of Jews in Europe.
The Balfour Declaration (1917) supported the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine, but emphasized that the rights of existing non-Jewish communities should not be prejudiced.

The Six Day War (1967)

Prelude: Dispute over the exploitation of the Jordan River between Israel and Arab countries.
Israel built a canal to divert water from the Jordan River for industrial and irrigation purposes.
Egyptian initiative (Jan 1964) to bypass Israeli construction led to Israeli preventive strikes on Syria (1965-1966).
Border incidents with Syria (April 1967) escalated tensions, including an attack on Golan positions and the shooting of 6 Syrian MiGs.
Israel found itself in a classic security dilemma, leading to a preventive strike on Egypt, followed by attacks on Syria and Jordan.
The war resulted in Israel taking over the Sinai desert, Sharm El Sheikh, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights.

Aftermath of the Six Day War

Israel refused to return territory without recognition from its neighbors.
The refusal to return East Jerusalem was particularly significant due to its religious importance.
The war worsened the refugee problem, with around 300,000 people fleeing from Gaza and the West Bank.
UNSC Res. 242 (22 Nov 1967) established the basis for an Arab-Israeli settlement, including the principles of "land for peace" and "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war".
The war increased international attention and sympathy for the Arab cause.

Six Day War: Prelude

Jordan water dispute between Israel and Arab countries over the exploitation of the Jordan River
Israel's plan to divert water for industrial and irrigation purposes, leading to Egyptian initiative to bypass Israeli construction in 1964
Israeli preventive strikes on Syria from 1965-1966
Border incidents with Syria, including an attack on Golan positions and shooting of 6 Syrian MiGs on April 7, 1967

United Nations Security Council Resolution 242

Unanimously adopted resolution in response to the Six Day War
States that it is inadmissible to acquire territory by war
Calls for Israel to return territories taken in exchange for peace

Yom Kippur War (1973)

Anwar Sadat succeeded Nasser as Egyptian President in 1970
Hafez al-Assad seized power in Syria in 1970
Coordinated surprise attack on Israel by Egypt and Syria on Yom Kippur, October 6, 1973
Low perceived probability of war, but quick advances and reversals led to forced negotiations

Geopolitics and Economy (1970s)

Period of stagflation, with stagnation in economic growth and high inflation
US annoyance with global economic situation, particularly with West Germany and Japan's economic growth
Nixon's decision to stop convertibility of US dollar into gold, ending the Bretton Woods system
Introduction of free-floating exchange rates, allowing currencies to reflect their true value

Iran

Shah's goal to build Iran as a regional superpower, with modernization and industrialization
Economic problems, including inflation, inequality, and withdrawing investors, by 1975
Domestic opposition from Communists, traditionalists, and middle-class liberals
Civilian cabinet by Shapour Bakhtiar in 1978, followed by Shah's exile and Ayatollah Khomeini's return
Installation of theocratic Islamic republic in 1979

Iranian Revolution

Impact compared to French and Russian revolutions
US and Western countries' economic sanctions on Iran in response to the revolution

Afghanistan

Independence from British in 1919
Communist coup against Prince Daoud in April 1978, led by a small military group
Series of uprisings, including military mutiny against Soviets in March 1979
President Taraki's visit to Moscow in September 1979, leading to Brezhnev's decision to intervene
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, marking the end of the détente period and re-introduction of confrontation between the two superpowers

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Learn about the rise of Zionism and the significance of the Balfour Declaration in the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine.