Legacy of Empire: Britain, Zionism and the Creation of Israel

It is now more than seventy years since the creation of the state of Israel, yet its origins and the British Empire's historic responsibility for Palestine remain little known. Confusion persists too as to the distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. In Legacy of Empire, Gardner Thompson offers a clear-eyed review of political Zionism and Britain's role in shaping the history of Palestine and Israel. Thompson explores why the British government adopted Zionism in the early twentieth century, issuing the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and then retaining it as the cornerstone of their rule in Palestine after the First World War. Despite evidence and warnings, over the next two decades Britain would facilitate the colonisation of Arab Palestine by Jewish immigrants, ultimately leading to a conflict which it could not contain. Britain's response was to propose the partition of an ungovernable land: a 'two-state solution' which - though endorsed by the United Nations after the Second World War - has so far brought into being neither two states nor a solution. A highly readable and compelling account of Britain's rule in Palestine, Legacy of Empire is essential for those wishing to better understand the roots of this enduring conflict.

Table of Contents:
Maps vi Illustrations vii Selective Timeline viii Introduction ix 1. The Birth and Emergence of Zionism, 1897-1914 1 2. Zionism in 1914 38 3. The British Adoption of Zionism, 1914-1917 57 4. The British Commitment to Zionism in Palestine, 1918-1922 103 5. Palestine in 1922 150 6. Zionism and Britain in Palestine, 1922-1939 159 7. The Second World War and After, 1940-1947 243 8. The Legacy 259 9. Has It Been Colonialism? 281 Conclusion 293 Acknowledgements 305 Bibliography 307 Notes 314

About the Author :
Gardner Thompson is a historian of British colonialism and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He taught history for four decades, eventually becoming the head of the history department and the Academic Vice-Principal at Dulwich College in London. His other publications include 'Governing Uganda: British Colonial Rule and its Legacy'. He lives in London.

Review :
'Illuminating ... A sobering and engrossing story of Britain's betrayal of the Palestinians.' Avi Shlaim, Oxford University ;'An incisive and thorough analysis' Ilan Pappe, author of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine; 'Thompson throws a cool light on a very hot topic ... An essential primer on the historical roots of the Israel/Palestine conflict.' Nicholas Rankin, author of Churchill's Wizards.