Nationalism in Southwest Asia Turkey Saudi Arabia Iran

Ottoman Empire Falls • Ottoman Empire lost in World War I – Lost significant amount of territory in Asia • Nationalism rose in former territories • New nations emerged with growing political and economic interest

Turkey Becomes a Republic • After World War I all that remained of the Ottoman Empire was the land of Anatolia and the new nation became Turkey • In 1919 Greece invaded – Retaliation for years of oppression • In 1922 Mustafa Kemal was able to drive the Greeks from Turkey – The Sultan was replaced by a Republic

Mustafa Kemal • First leader of new Turkish Republic • Known for bringing reforms to Turkey – Separated Islamic law from nation’s laws – Abolished religious courts – New legal system based on European laws – Women gained the right to vote and hold public office – Government funded industrialization programs • Nicknamed Ataturk- “Father of the Turks”

Persia Becomes Iran • British attempted to take over Persia, sparking a nationalist revolt • 1925 the ruling shah was put of power • Reza Shah Pahlavi attempted to modernize the new country of Iran – Built public schools – Built roads and railroads – Promoted industrial growth and women’s rights

Saudi Arabia • 1932 Arabia became unified under one powerful family • New nation held close to Islamic law • Modernization was limited

Discovery of Oil • Industrialized nations needed petroleum • Exploration in Middle East found 2/3 of the world’s oil • Foreign investment pumped into region