Ottoman Empire and Israel

Southwest Asia History Notes

The Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was a Muslim Empire, that rivaled the largest and most powerful empires in the world. They controlled trade between Asia, Africa, and Europe, and controlled lands on all three continents. Western Europe feared the spread of Islam, and began searching for other trade routes to Asia. The Ottoman empire's greatest ruler was Suleiman the Magnificent. The Ottoman Empire began to decline, but became involved in WWI with the Central Powers. The Ottoman Empire was dismantled and partitioned out to the Allied Powers at the end of WWI. Great Britain gained control of Palestine (the land that will become Israel), which was inhabited and controlled by Arabs (Muslims) at the time.

 At the end of WWII, the United Nations determined that the Jews would need a place to call their own. Great Britain and the UN decided Palestine (originally the Jewish homeland of Canaan) would be the perfect place. Jews were extremely happy to have their "Promised Land" back; however, the Palestinian Arabs were very upset to be losing their homes, and the land that is sacred to them as well. Palestinians are forced to live in either Gaza Strip or the West Bank. Fighting over the land continues to today.

The Founding of Israel 1948

Founding of Israel
Palestinians see Jews as invading their territories, and there have been few times of peace between the groups since 1948. The PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) works as a governing body for Palestine. Hamas and Hezbollah are two terrorist organizations that work to free Palestinians. They are backed and funded by other Arab countries.

Six Day War

1st period

During the war, Israel stood alone. May-June 1967 Egyptian leader Nasser sent army to the border of Israel. Israel faced Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan! Arab terrorist groups had been attacking Israeli civilians, and Egypt was blocking Israeli shipping. Israel won a stunning victory by launching a surprise attack against Egyptian planes, and pushing Syria and Jordan out of West Bank. Many believe it was a miracle that Israel won. Israel nearly double lands at the end of the Six Day War.

Six Day War

2nd Period

Israel faced Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. June 1967, Egyptian leader Nasser sent his army to the Israeli border. Arab terrorists were bombing Israeli civilians and sacred sites, and Egypt blocked Israeli shipping routes. The UN did not protect the Israeli border as they had agreed to do. The Israeli army led a surprise attack against the Egyptian army destroying their airforce. At the same time, they pushed Syria and Jordan off their land. Israel nearly doubled their land in Gaza Strip and West Bank as a result of the war.

Six Day War 3rd Period

June 1967 armies of Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia prepare to attack Israel. Egypts leader Nasser sent his large army to attack Israel. Egypt blocked Israeli shipping, and Arab terrorist groups were bombing civilians and sacred Jewish sites. Israels army led a surprise attack destroying Egypts air force, and drove Jordan and Syria off their lands and united Jerusalem. Israel nearly doubles their lands as a result of the Six Day War. Many people feel the Israeli victory was a miracle.

Six Day War 4th Period

Israel faced Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq during the Six Day War. Arab terrorists were bombing Israeli citizens and sacred Jewish sites, and Egypt blocked Israeli shipping. Egypts leader Nasser sent his army to Israels border. Israel led a surprise attack and destroyed Egypts air force. They also pushed Syria and Jordan off their Israeli land. The Israelis reunited Jerusalem. Many people believe Israels victory was a miracle. Israel nearly doubled their lands as a result of the Six Day War.