10 British Mandate Facts To Know

The British Mandate for Palestine, which lasted from 1920 to 1948, was a period of significant political, social, and economic change in the region. During this time, the British government, under a mandate from the League of Nations, administered the territory that is now Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Here are 10 key facts about the British Mandate period that are essential to understanding the complex history of the region.

Introduction to the British Mandate

The British Mandate was established after World War I, when the British Empire defeated the Ottoman Empire, which had controlled the region for centuries. The British government was granted a mandate over Palestine by the League of Nations, with the goal of preparing the territory for self-government. However, the mandate period was marked by conflicting promises to both the Arab and Jewish populations, leading to increasing tensions and violence.

Key Provisions of the British Mandate

The British Mandate was based on several key provisions, including the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. However, the mandate also recognized the rights of the existing non-Jewish populations, leading to a contradictory and ultimately unworkable policy. The British government attempted to balance the competing claims of the Arab and Jewish populations, but ultimately failed to find a solution that satisfied both sides.

The mandate period saw a significant increase in Jewish immigration to Palestine, which led to growing tensions with the Arab population. The British government attempted to limit immigration, but was unable to stem the flow of Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Europe. At the same time, the Arab population was becoming increasingly politicized, with the emergence of nationalist movements and leaders such as the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem.

The Economy of Palestine Under the British Mandate

The economy of Palestine during the British Mandate period was characterized by significant growth and development, driven in part by the influx of Jewish capital and expertise. The British government invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports, which helped to stimulate economic growth. However, the economy was also marked by significant inequality, with the Jewish population dominating key sectors such as finance and industry.

Agriculture and Land Ownership

Agriculture was a key sector of the economy during the British Mandate period, with both Arab and Jewish farmers playing important roles. However, the Jewish population was able to acquire significant tracts of land, often through purchases from absentee Arab landowners. This led to growing tensions over land ownership and access to resources, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of violence in 1947-1948.

The British government attempted to address the issue of land ownership through the establishment of the Palestine Land Development Company, which was tasked with acquiring and developing land for Jewish settlement. However, this effort was ultimately unsuccessful, and the issue of land ownership remained a major point of contention throughout the mandate period.

• The Jewish population owned approximately 6% of the land in Palestine in 1920, rising to over 20% by 1948.
• The Arab population owned approximately 80% of the land in Palestine in 1920, declining to around 70% by 1948.
• The British government owned approximately 10% of the land in Palestine, primarily in the form of public domains and state lands.

Security and Violence During the British Mandate

The British Mandate period was marked by significant violence and unrest, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. The Arab population was becoming increasingly frustrated with British policy, which they saw as favoring the Jewish population. The Jewish population, on the other hand, was facing growing threats from Arab militants and was seeking to establish its own security forces.

The 1936-1939 Arab Revolt

The 1936-1939 Arab Revolt was a major uprising against British rule, sparked by the assassination of a prominent Arab leader. The revolt was marked by widespread violence, including attacks on Jewish settlements and British security forces. The British government responded with force, deploying troops and imposing martial law. However, the revolt ultimately ended in defeat for the Arab population, and led to a significant increase in Jewish immigration to Palestine.

The Arab Revolt had significant implications for the politics of the region, contributing to the emergence of extremist groups such as the Irgun and the Stern Gang. These groups, which were opposed to British rule and sought to establish a Jewish state, carried out a series of attacks against Arab and British targets, including the infamous King David Hotel bombing in 1946.