Question

arab - israeli conflict: the mandate period
primary source analysis
directions: complete the graphic organizer based on information provided in each of the primary source excerpts

source	what does this document propose to do with regard to the geographic area and/or populations of palestine?	why was this document made? what circumstances (either in the middle east or in europe) brought it about?
the peel commission (1937)
the white paper (1939)
source	what does this document propose to do with regard to the geographic area and/or populations of palestine?	why was this document made? what circumstances (either in the middle east or in europe) brought it about?

Answer:

To solve this primary source analysis for the Arab - Israeli Conflict during the Mandate Period, we analyze each document:

The British Mandate for Palestine (1922)

What does the document propose?

The British Mandate was established by the League of Nations. It aimed to administer Palestine. It also had provisions related to the Jewish national home. The mandate allowed for Jewish immigration to Palestine and encouraged the development of a Jewish national home while also respecting the rights of the Arab population in Palestine.

Why was the document made?

After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was defeated. The League of Nations gave Britain the mandate to govern Palestine. The situation in the Middle East was in flux after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and there were competing national aspirations of Jews (who wanted a homeland) and Arabs (who had their own claims to the land). Also, in Europe, the idea of self - determination and the re - drawing of post - war boundaries led to the establishment of such mandates.

The Peel Commission (1937)

What does the document propose?

The Peel Commission was set up in response to the Arab - Jewish violence in Palestine. It proposed the partition of Palestine into two separate states: one Jewish and one Arab. The commission also suggested a small area around Jerusalem be under British control.

Why was the document made?

There was increasing unrest and violence between the Arab and Jewish communities in Palestine. The British, who were the mandatory power, were facing difficulties in maintaining order. The commission was established to find a solution to the growing conflict, which was fueled by competing nationalisms and claims to the land of Palestine.

The White Paper (1939)

What does the document propose?

The 1939 White Paper restricted Jewish immigration to Palestine. It set a limit on the number of Jews who could enter Palestine over the next five years and then proposed an end to most Jewish immigration. It also proposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within ten years, in which both Jews and Arabs would share power.

Why was the document made?

The Arab revolt of 1936 - 1939 had put pressure on the British. The British were also concerned about the growing tensions in Europe (with the approach of World War II) and wanted to secure Arab support. They believed that restricting Jewish immigration would appease the Arab population in Palestine and also in the wider Arab world, which was important for British strategic interests in the Middle East.

To fill the graphic organizer:

Source	What does this document propose to do with regard to the geographic area and/or populations of Palestine?	Why was this document made? What circumstances (either in the Middle East or in Europe) brought it about?
The Peel Commission (1937)	Partition Palestine into Jewish, Arab states; British control over Jerusalem.	Arab - Jewish violence, British difficulty in maintaining order, competing nationalisms.
The White Paper (1939)	Restrict Jewish immigration, plan for an independent Palestinian state with shared power.	Arab revolt (1936 - 1939), approaching WWII, British desire for Arab support, strategic Middle East interests.