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Decolonization Of Middle East (1932-1971): Timeline, Effects, End of Middle East Empire!
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The process of decolonization of the Middle East (1932-1971) was a process of transition of control from various hands. The earliest transition was affected during world war I. Though the transition was smooth, it was marked by some violent events. These events resulted in instability in the region, sights of which can be seen these days too.
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The topic of decolonization of the Middle East is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination as it falls under the General Studies Paper 1 of mains, particularly under the World History Section.
In this article, we shall discuss the historical background, timeline, effects, and the end of the process of decolonization of the Middle East.
Read this article on Decolonization for the UPSC Exam here!
Middle East 1932-1971: Historical Background
The Middle East has been one of the world’s most troubled regions. There has hardly been a time when the whole region was at peace. It attracted a lot of attention from both the Western and the communist powers because it offers strategic positions and rich oil resources.
Fig: Middle East Countries
In addition, there were a number of conflicts involving the Arab States. The Middle East held a very important strategic position in the world as it was a crossroad between the Western Nations, the communist bloc, and the third world countries of Africa and Asia.
The British and the French involvement in the Middle East stretched back many years. Most of the Arab states had nationalistic governments which resented Western influence. The governments that were thought to be Pro West were later replaced by regimes that wanted to be non-aligned and free from the control of the west.
Check out this article on Allied and Axis Powers in the Second World War for the UPSC Exam here!
Timeline of Decolonisation Of the Middle East
The timeline of decolonization of the Middle East has been presented in a tabular format for better understanding.
| Name | Date of Independence | Colonising Power |
| Iraq | October 3, 1932 | Great Britain |
| Lebanon | Independence was declared on November 22, 1943. Full Independence granted in 1946 | France |
| Syria | November 30, 1943. Full Independence granted in 1945 | France |
| Israel | May 14, 1948 | Great Britain |
| Cyprus | August 16, 1960 | Great Britain |
| Kuwait | June 19, 1961 | Great Britain |
| Oman | 1962 | Great Britain |
| Yemen | November 30, 1967 | Great Britain |
| Qatar | September 3, 1971 | Great Britain |
| Bahrain | August 15, 1971 | Great Britain |
| United Arab Emirates | December 2, 1971 | Great Britain |
Learn about the French Revolution for the UPSC Exam here!
Effects of Decolonisation in the Middle East
The effects of decolonization in the Middle East were:
- It led to the overall growth of the economy and the establishment of a self-governed administration in the countries.
- The drain of wealth was brought to an end.
- It affected the economies of the newly formed states. It was observed that the newly independent states had to improve their economic system. Though they were independent in political terms they were dependent on the west for support in developing the economic and political structures. Thus the west exercised considerable influence over these new States.
Also, check World History UPSC Notes here!
End of Middle East Empire
The end of the Middle East Empire in various countries is discussed below:
Egypt
- After the end of the second World War the British troops stayed in the area around the Suez canal to maintain their control over the canal.
- In 1952 a group of Egyptian army overthrew the King of Egypt and seized power themselves.
- By 1954 Colonel Nasser had become the president and his policy of standing up to Britain led to the Suez war of 1956. This led to the end of British influence in Egypt.
Jordan
- The British handed over the throne to King Abdullah in 1946. However, he was assassinated as he played the role of rubber stamp under the British thumb.
- Succeeded by King Hussain who ended the treaty which allowed the British troops to use bases in Jordan and hence all the British troops were withdrawn from the country.
- The king of Iraq signed a treaty with Turkey to set up a joint defence. They were joined by Iran and Britain.
- The humiliation of Britain in the Suez war encouraged anti-British sentiments in Iraq and ultimately Iraq became a republic. This marked the end of Britain’s attempt to play a major role in Arab affairs.
- It was the only Middle East country that had a frontier with the USSR. The USSR tried to set up a communist government in Northern Iran which was resented by the ruler of Iran and he signed a defence treaty with the USA which provided him with economic and military aid.
- The spread of communist influence was seen by the United States as a situation of the cold war.
- There was a strong nationalist movement in Iran and soon the citizens of the country turned away from the USA and Britain because Britain held a majority of the shares in the Anglo-Iranian oil company and it was felt that the British cornered much of the profits.
- In January 1979 an Islamic republic was set up under the religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini.
- Post Second World War hundreds of Jewish refugees from Hitler’s Europe were looking for a place to settle.
- In 1945z USA pressed Britain to allow Jews to settle in Palestine but this was refused by the British. The Jews then determined to fight for the National home and began a terrorist campaign against the Arabs and the Britishers.
- The British responded by arresting the Jews leaders and by turning back ships full of Jews intending to enter Palestine.
- As the British were weakened by the strain of the Second World War, it was unable to cope with the situation and it asked the United Nations to deal with the problem.
- The UN in 1947 voted to divide Palestine and set aside half of it to form an independent Jewish state. In early 1948 the British decided to exit the region and left the country under the control of the UN.
- It was originally a part of the Ottoman Empire.
- It became fully independent in 1945 free from the mandate of the French after the end of the first world war.
Iraq
Also check: The Protestant Reformation – Beginning, Expansion and Impacts
Iran
Also read about the Roman Empire for the UPSC Exam here!
Israel
Lebanon
Turkey
Conclusion
The Middle East Nations experienced different decolonization processes. Each of these nations followed a different path to achieve their independence from the European powers. However, the process of decolonization led to Chaos and instability in the region which continues to the present day.
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UPSC Previous Year Questions on Decolonization Of Middle East
Q 1. What were the events that led to the Suez crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power?
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Decolonization Of Middle East FAQs
When did the Middle East gain independence?
Different countries gained independence in different years. Iraq gained independence from Britain in 1932 while Jordan gained independence in 1946. Syria and Lebanon were freed from the control of France in 1945.
When did colonialism begin to end in the Middle East?
The process of colonialism began to end post the 1940s in the Middle East.
How was the Middle East decolonized?
The Middle East was decolonized post 1940's.
When did Turkey gain independence?
Turkey was declared a republic in 1923 by the Treaty of Lausanne.
What were the effects of the decolonization of the Middle East?
It affected the economies of the newly formed states. The states, though, gained independence in political terms but remained subjugated under the influence of European powers in developing economic and political structures. Thus the west exercised considerable influence over these new States.