Victory against
the Ottoman empire in 1917 signifies the high water mark of British rule in
the Middle East. In contrast, 1947 not only signals the end of British rule
in the Middle East but that of British colonial rule in other parts of the
world, as well.
Zionist immigration, settlement, and land purchases lead to the first anti-Zionist riots in Hebron (1929) and elsewhere. This is the beginning of the bloody conflict between the Jewish settlers and the local Arabs (including Muslims and Christians).
As the mandatory power appointed by the League of Nations, Britain is increasingly confronted with the difficult task of policing the rival groups and their competing national aspirations. With the beginning of WWII, the British shut down Jewish immigration, at a time when it is most needed. This generates an all out rebellion against the mandatory rule which ends in ignominy.
Reviewing the situation, the United Nations General Assembly votes to partition Palestine and to internationalize Jerusalem.
Image: Sir Herbert Samuel and the Emir Abdullah (Amman, 1921).
Source: Passia.