Description
Book SynopsisThe victors of WWI created the modern Middle East, but little has been written and even less is known about Iraq during WWI. Similar to his earlier works on Persia, Dr. Majd combines extensive research of U.S. State Department archives with official British sources to create a timely history of Iraq from 1910 to 1918 that will promote a better understanding of subsequent Iraqi and Middle Eastern history. In 1914, Great Britain invaded Iraq and Persia to gain control of the region''s vast oil resources. With the Allies attacking the Ottoman Empire from every direction and the ongoing discord between Iraq''s Shia and Sunni populations, the British anticipated an easy victory. Instead they encountered a vigilant force of Shia and Sunni Arabs and Turks united against the British invasion. It was only after America''s direct entry into the war, the revolution in Russia, and occupation of the oil-rich province and city of Mosul after the cease-fire with Turkey, that Britain was able to complete the conquest of the region. After the war mandates and modern nation-states were established and the stage was set for the oil ententes of the 1920s that divided the oil among the victors. This book chronicles an important and under researched period of Middle Eastern history. It is the third book in Majd''s World War I trilogy.
Trade ReviewMohammad Gholi Majd has provided historians with valuable insight into Iraq during these pivotal yearsssss * International Journal of Middle East Studies *
Mohammad Gholi Majd has provided historians with valuable insight into Iraq during these pivotal years * International Journal of Middle East Studies *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 1. Iraq on the Eve of World War I Chapter 2 2. Declarations of War against Turkey Chapter 3 3. British Invasion of Iraq and Capture of Basra and Shatt al Arab Chapter 4 4. Pause in British Advance and the Situation in Bagdad, January-April, 1915 Chapter 5 5. Defeat of Turkish Counter Offensive: Battles of Suez and Shaiba Chapter 6 6. British Capture of Amara, Nasiriya, and Kut al Amara Chapter 7 7. British Subjects in Iraq and Disturbances in Najaf and Kerbala Chapter 8 8. Tension in Bagdad and Measures against Christians and Jews Chapter 9 9. Battle of Ctesiphon: British Failure to Take Bagdad and Retreat to Kut Chapter 10 10. British Failure to Lift the Siege of Kut and its Surrender Chapter 11 11. British Occupation of South Persia, 1915 Chapter 12 12. Impact of Russian Campaign in Persia on the War in Iraq Chapter 13 13. Subjugation of the Tribes and Preparations for Renewed British Offensive Chapter 14 14. British Offensive and Capture of Bagdad Chapter 15 15. Spring 1917 Offensive and Expansion of the British Force Chapter 16 16. Final Year of War and Completion of British Occupation of Iraq Chapter 17 17. Onset of British Rule in Iraq Chapter 18 18. Iraq's Commercial Decline Chapter 19 19. The Toll from Disease
