Balfour Declaration Published in The Times
November 9th, 1917
November 9th, 1917

How Long Ago?
107 years, 4 months, 6 days ago
Location
United Kingdom
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Arthur James Balfour
- Baron Rothschild
Links & References
Tags
Balfour Declaration Published in The Times
The Balfour Declaration, a statement of British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, was published in The Times newspaper. Authored by Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour, the declaration expressed the British government's intent to establish a national home for the Jewish people. This announcement came amidst World War I, as Britain aimed to gain support from Jewish communities globally. The publication garnered widespread attention and had significant political implications for the future of Palestine and Jewish nationalism.
Balfour Declaration promised a Jewish homeland.
Published in The Times on November 9, 1917.
Aimed to gain Jewish support during WWI.
Influenced future Israeli statehood and conflicts.
What Happened?
The Balfour Declaration was a pivotal statement issued by the British government during World War I that articulated support for the establishment of a 'national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine. Authored by Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour, the declaration was addressed to Baron Rothschild, a prominent leader of the British Jewish community. The essential thrust of the declaration outlined Britain's commitment to creating a Jewish homeland, which reflected a combination of humanitarian, strategic, and geopolitical considerations amid the complex backdrop of the war. The declaration itself was published in The Times, a leading British newspaper, on November 9, 1917, which amplified its reach and significance.At the time, the British government believed that supporting Jewish aspirations could help garner greater support from Jewish communities worldwide, particularly in the United States and Russia. The backdrop of World War I created a unique environment where political promises had the potential to reshape national boundaries and allegiances. The implications of the Balfour Declaration would later prove monumental, influencing the trajectory of Jewish immigration to Palestine and the eventual establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Furthermore, it sowed seeds of conflict in the region, as it clashed with the aspirations of the Arab population in Palestine, who had their national aspirations.The public announcement in a high-profile newspaper institution further legitimized the government's intentions and sparked debates about the moral and political ramifications of establishing a Jewish state in a territory inhabited primarily by Arabs. The declaration has been seen as a landmark moment in Jewish history but also as a point of contention regarding Arab nationalism and the rights of the indigenous population of Palestine, leading to decades of conflict in the region. The dual promises made by Britain during World War I—both to the Jews and to the Arab leaders—laid the groundwork for future tensions and diplomatic challenges in the Middle East.
Why Does it Matter?
The Balfour Declaration is significant as it marks a major turning point in Jewish history and the broader historical landscape of the Middle East. It crystallized international support for the Zionist movement and laid the foundation for the establishment of Israel. The promise of a national home fueled increased Jewish immigration to Palestine, reshaping the region demographically and politically. The declaration's impact continues to resonate, influencing Middle Eastern politics, Jewish-Arab relations, and ongoing debates about statehood and rights.
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