Westernism, Imperialism, Nationalism and Zionism in the Middle East

Westernism, Imperialism, Nationalism, and Zionism led to Arab Nationalism because westerners tried to imperialize the Middle East. Egypt for example, was invaded by France and then overrun by the British due to the importance of the Suez Canal. World War I is one of the most recent causes of imperialism. The Ottoman empire assisted Germany and was therefore responsible for losing the war along with the debt. Their land was divided into mandates for western powers by the League of Nations. Since a country does not want to be under control of another country especially one so far away like colonial America and Britain they worked to create their independence. In order to succeed and gain independence many countries created several reforms to become more alike western powers to better their chances and also reforms to modernize and industrialize to better their own country. One of the many reforms ultimately led to Zionism. By doing this many secular ideas rose which caused many nationalist to rise who were strict followers of Islam being the official religion and straying away from western ideas. I believe this led to animosity towards the west today because during the time when they were being mandated they were very weak and could not rebel to superior western countries but now that they have reclaimed themselves they have the power to stand up for what they believe in and do it physically. Also many of the new problems that popularized after they were gaining their independence such as more controversy of the holy land could be blamed on western nations.

I believe the most impacting issue was Imperialism because it was the cause of further westernization and also Zionism. Imperialism caused the mandates to be created and then western ideas to be adopted. From the western ideas being adopted many reforms were created which included Zionism.