The Promise of Independence: During World War I, the British government made promises to the Arab leaders, particularly Hussein bin Ali, the Sharif of Mecca, of Arab independence and self-determination in exchange for their support against the Ottoman Empire. These promises were known as the Hussein-McMahon Correspondence. However, after the war, the British and French carved up the Arab territories into mandates and colonies, instead of granting them the promised independence. This betrayal of trust left a deep sense of grievance among the Arabs.
Sykes-Picot Agreement: The Sykes-Picot Agreement, a secret agreement between Britain and France made during the war, divided the Arab territories into spheres of influence between the two powers, ignoring the aspirations of the Arab population for unity and self-determination. The revelation of this agreement after the war further eroded Arab trust in Western intentions.
Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British issued the Balfour Declaration, which expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. This declaration did not consult the wishes of the indigenous Arab population and raised concerns about the future of Arab rights in Palestine.
Absence of Arab Representation: At the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, which determined the post-war settlement, the Arab voices were largely ignored. The Arab delegation, led by Faisal, son of Hussein bin Ali, was denied full participation and their demands for self-determination went unheeded.
Mandates and Colonial Rule: Instead of granting independence, the League of Nations established mandates over the Arab territories, with Britain and France as the administering powers. These mandates often disregarded Arab interests and aspirations and were seen as a continuation of colonial rule rather than a step towards independence.
Nationalist Movements and Resistance: The betrayal and disappointment felt by the Arabs led to the rise of nationalist movements and resistance groups that sought to challenge Western influence and achieve true independence. These movements aimed to restore Arab sovereignty and unity and often clashed with the colonial powers, contributing to further tensions and conflicts in the region.