How did the interwar period affect Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine?

The interwar period significantly strained Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine, leading to increased tensions and conflicts.

During the interwar period, the British Mandate of Palestine saw a significant increase in Jewish immigration, largely due to the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. This influx of Jewish immigrants, who were often fleeing persecution, led to a significant demographic shift in the region. The Jewish population in Palestine increased from 11% in 1922 to nearly 30% by 1939. This rapid increase in the Jewish population led to increased competition for land and resources, which exacerbated tensions between the Jewish and Arab communities.

The British administration's policies during this period also contributed to the deterioration of Jewish-Arab relations. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, was seen by many Arabs as a betrayal of their rights and interests. The British administration's attempts to balance the competing demands of the Jewish and Arab communities often resulted in policies that were seen as favouring one group over the other, further fuelling resentment and mistrust.

The interwar period also saw the emergence of nationalist movements among both Jews and Arabs in Palestine. The Zionist movement, which sought the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, gained significant momentum during this period. At the same time, Arab nationalism also grew in response to both Zionist aspirations and British colonial rule. These nationalist movements often clashed, leading to a series of violent conflicts known as the Arab Revolts of the 1920s and 1930s.

In conclusion, the interwar period was a time of significant change and conflict in Palestine. The combination of demographic shifts, controversial British policies, and the rise of nationalist movements led to a significant deterioration in Jewish-Arab relations. This period laid the groundwork for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that would erupt following the end of the British Mandate in 1948.