Empire 298. Gaza: The British Occupation of Palestine (Part 8)
29 snips
Oct 13, 2025 Caroline Elkins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of *Legacy of Violence*, delves into the complexities of the British Mandate in Palestine. She reveals the overlapping promises made by Britain, including the Balfour Declaration. Elkins discusses the violent tactics employed by the Black and Tans and their infamous reputation from Ireland. The conversation covers rising tensions, such as the 1929 Jerusalem riots, illustrating how state-directed violence and colonial policies fueled conflict and deepened divisions between Jewish and Arab communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Allenby’s Humble Entrance, Imperial Hubris
- General Allenby's entry into Jerusalem was staged as a humble liberation while martial law was immediately imposed.
- Caroline Elkins shows this moment embodies British imperial hubris and the promise of stability that followed conquest.
Balfour’s Ambiguous Promise
- The Balfour Declaration promised "a national home for the Jewish people" and its ambiguity shaped later policy.
- Elkins argues this vague language boxed Britain into commitments that fueled future conflicts.
Mandate Legally Entrenched Balfour
- The League of Nations mandate incorporated the Balfour Declaration and legally required Britain to promote Jewish immigration and land settlement.
- Elkins highlights the Permanent Mandates Commission's pro‑Zionist oversight constrained British policy options.
