British Mandate of Palestine

After the issuance of the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, the region underwent significant changes that shaped its future. The period following the Balfour Declaration was marked by political, demographic, and social transformations. Here are some key developments:

​

1. British Mandate for Palestine (1920-1948): After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to administer Palestine. The British Mandate for Palestine began in 1920, and during this period, the tensions between Jewish and Arab communities increased. The British administration struggled to reconcile the conflicting promises made to both communities.
2. Jewish Immigration and Arab Opposition: The Balfour Declaration and the League of Nations mandate provided a basis for Jewish immigration to Palestine. The Jewish population increased, leading to tensions with the Arab community who opposed Jewish migration and the establishment of a Jewish homeland.
3. Arab Revolts: Arab opposition to British rule and Jewish immigration led to a series of Arab revolts in Palestine. These revolts, particularly the 1936-1939 Arab revolt, were in response to perceived British favoritism towards the Jewish community.
4. White Paper of 1939: In response to the Arab revolts, the British government issued the White Paper of 1939, which sought to limit Jewish immigration to Palestine and proposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within ten years. This policy change was influenced by various factors, including the Arab opposition and the British government's geopolitical considerations during World War II.

​