Transcript slides

Axis Powers:
incl. Japan
Germany
Italy
Allied Powers:
incl. U.S.A.
Soviet Union
Britain
China
Free French
Impact of World War II - Turkey
Maintains neutrality until declares war
on Germany in 1945, hence becoming
charter member of United Nations
Budget deficits due to military
spending cause inflation,
boosted by pre-emptive
buying by U.S.A. and
Britain. Crisis eventually
simply ridden out
Impact of World War II - Iran
Declares neutrality, but invaded by British
and Americans to safeguard oil fields
and supply Russia
Inflation pushes prices so high
that are bread riots and
economic crises
Political and social fragmentation of country,
with German agents trying to foment
unrest
Impact of World War II - Iran
1942 Treaty of alliance with Britain and
Soviet Union promises withdrawal of
foreign troops within 6 months of end
of war
1943 Iran declares war
on Germany
After end of war foreign troops leave Iranian
soil, except the Russians...
Impact of World War II - Egypt
Theoretically independent since signing of
Anglo-Egyptian treaty in 1936
Becomes staging post for Allied operations
Shortages, inflation and import/export
problems despite British
purchase of cotton crop in
1941-42 and employment
of Egyptians by British
to support troops
Impact of World War II - Egypt
Malaria outbreak kills c. 100,000 people
British impose friendly government, which
lasts until no longer expedient for them
Egyptians declare war on
Germany and Japan
in 1945
Impact of World War II - Iraq
Breaks off relations with Germany in 1939,
but in 1940, when new leadership more
friendly to Italy/Germany takes power,
British intervene to have it replaced
Coup in 1941 leads British to send
troops to Basra to protect
interests. Conflict between British
and Iraqis leads British to invade
and install more friendly government
Impact of World War II - Iraq
British control economy, military, bureaucracy
and education. Prime minister Nuri al-Said
plans Arab League
Iraq declares war on Axis powers in Jan 1943
Some inflation, nationalist
and socialist discontent
Impact of World War II - Lebanon/
Syria
Still mandates. Outbreak of war leads to
tightening of French control
France falls to Germany in 1940. German agents
come to Lebanon and Syria to prepare them
for German takeover. French puppet
government installs new governments
Economic crises and food shortages, leading to
demonstrations and unrest
Impact of World War II - Lebanon/
Syria
Allied forces invade in spring 1941, install new,
friendly governments, but power remains
in hands of Free French and British
Popular opposition forces Allies to re-establish
constitutions and allow elections in 1943
Both countries are recognised as
independent and declare war
on Axis powers in 1944
Impact of World War II - Palestine
Major tensions and at times civil conflict
between Arabs and Jews in
inter-war period. Increased
immigration of Jews and
purchase of land from
Arabs by Jewish community
By 1939 British have enacted legislation limiting
Jewish immigration and land transfers
Impact of World War II - Palestine
Both Jews and Arab states seek to curry favour
with British by aiding war effort. Jews
and Arabs are also profiting from
increased demand for food and services
Increased Jewish immigration due to Holocaust
British continue attempts to limit
immigration to keep Arabs
happy. Tension in region
mounts...
Middle East Supply Center
Based in Cairo. Set up in April 1941 to
co-ordinate movement of goods in region
Run by British, later aided by Americans. No
local involvement
By 1944 is apparent is tool of British economic
colonialism. Americans withdraw support
and centre closes in 1945
And…
1945 sees establishment of Arab League
War sees growth of nationalism in many
countries of Middle East
New superpowers, U.S.A. and Soviet Union,
becoming most influential forces in region