Nationalism In Africa And The Middle East

Nationalism in Africa and the Middle East -By Mark Galela After many Africans fought for their rulers during the World War, they thought that their help would be rewarded. However, until today the Africans remained under the rule of the Europeans. Many of the Western-educated Africans opposed this imperial rule as they were inspired by President Wilson’s call for selfdetermination. As nationalism and resistance grew, a movement known as PanAfricanism began. One of the leaders of this movement was W.E.B. DuBois who organized the first Pan-African Congress in Paris during their peace conference. However, in the end most of their efforts went to waste when the Paris peacemakers ignored their charter of rights for Africans. In another event to resist imperialism, the Africans began the negritude movement which they wrote about their heritage and rejection of colonial rule. One of the important persons in this movement was the poet Leopold Senghor. He wrote about his pride in Africa and denied the negative thoughts of their colonial rulers.

Allied countries, including Greece. In order to maintain their claims, the Greeks sent a force to Smyrna, Turkey which was then defeated by the nationalists. At the same time the Greeks were defeated; the Turks led by Ataturk, removed the Ottoman sultan from power and announced Turkey a republic. With Ataturk having control of the government, he set out to modernize certain parts of Turkey and to take away religion from the government. To further his ambitions, Ataturk promoted industrialization and the government then set up railroads and factories. Many Turks approved of Ataturk’s reforms while some were against his beliefs and use of power.

Ataturk Arab Nationalism in the Middle East

W.E.B. DuBois Modernization of Turkey Following the World War, the Ottoman Empire was about to fall apart. Due to the signing of the Treaty of Sevres, the sultan was forced to give up land to

As oil became popular during this time period due to its use in gasolinepowered vehicles, foreigners flocked to the Middle East. This foreign influence affected the growth of Arab nationalism and gave birth to Pan-Arabism. The purpose of the movement was for the Arabs to be free from Western rule and form their own state. Like the Africans, the Arabs also helped the Allies during the World War. They had thought that they would gain freedom after their service in the war, but the Allies split up the control of the Ottoman Empire lands, including Palestine, amongst themselves. Feeling betrayed, they led numerous protests and revolts against imperialism. At the

same time, the Jews also wanted their own land in Palestine. This problem was caused earlier on, following the World War. The allies had first promised the Arabs the land of Palestine but then made the same promise to the Jew by the Balfour Declaration. It stated that Palestine would be home to the Jews but any community (the Arab) already residing there will not be affected. As a result, conflict between Arab and Jewish nationalism began.

Summary: During this time in Africa and the Middle East, nationalism was the cause

of many movements, modernization, and conflicts between different communities. Nationalism increased stability in places like Africa and Turkey because they united to protest against Western rule and fought to become independent. In other areas like Palestine, nationalism decreased stability because the Arabs and Jews were promised the same land and fought with each other.