British Mandate of Palestine

Guide Note

The British Mandate of Palestine, also called the Mandate of Palestine, was implemented after World War I to repartition part of the dissolving Ottoman Empire. Crafted by the League of Nations, the Mandate covered a region that encompassed modern day Jordan, Israel, The West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Jordan separated from this territory in 1921. The British Mandate officially ended with the 1948 Arab Israeli War and establishment of the state of Israel.

Under the British Mandate the Jewish population, or Yishuv, grew from one third to one sixth of the regional population. In addition to this, Jewish communities experienced exceptional economic growth up to 13.2% annually. In comparison, Arab communities in the region only experienced a 6.5% annual growth rate. This discrepancy, along with Arab feelings that they were not adequately represented in government, led to uprisings and revolts. These revolts devastated the Arab leadership and resulted in 10% of the adult male population being killed, injured or imprisoned.

Fast Facts

1. Established in 1920
2. Attempt to establish territories after the fall of the Ottoman Empire
3. Created under a treaty of the League of Nations
4. Originally included Jordan, Israel, The West Bank and the Gaza Strip
5. Some leadership responsibilities given to Arab elite
6. British administration of the region was to last "until such time as they are able to stand alone"
7. Officially ended with the 1948 Arab Israeli War
8. Result was the establishment of the state of Israel

1. Jewish population in the region increased considerably due to legal immigrations
2. Jewish communities experienced a 13.2% annual economic growth rate
3. Arab communities experienced a 6.5% annual economic growth rate
4. Unrest in Arab communities led to The Great Arab Revolt
5. Revolt resulted in 10% of adult male Arab population being killed, injured, or imprisoned
6. Devastated Arab leadership
7. Pushed the British to collaborate with the Jewish Agency