It is easier to offer bullet points to help understand what went on.
1. Zionist Movement:
The late 19th century saw the rise of the Zionist movement, spearheaded
by figures like Theodor Herzl, who advocated for the establishment of a
Jewish homeland in Palestine. The First Zionist Congress was held in
1897, which aimed to promote Jewish immigration to Palestine and secure
international support for a Jewish state.
2. Jewish Immigration:
Waves of Jewish immigrants began arriving in Palestine, particularly
during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by persecution in
Eastern Europe and the desire to establish agricultural communities.
3. Ottoman Empire:
At the time, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire. The region's
demographics and political landscape were influenced by the empire's
policies and the local Arab population's response to Jewish immigration.
4. World War I:
The geopolitical landscape shifted significantly during World War I, as
the Ottoman Empire was on the verge of collapse. The British sought to
gain support from various groups, including the Jewish community, to
bolster their war efforts.
5. McMahon-Hussein Correspondence:
In 1915-1916, correspondence between British High Commissioner Sir
Henry McMahon and Sharif Hussein of Mecca suggested British support for
Arab independence in exchange for support against the Ottomans, which
complicated the situation in Palestine.
These factors set the
stage for the Balfour Declaration, in which the British government
expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the
Jewish people" in Palestine, significantly influencing the future of the
region.
