Middle East in the 20th Century

It is impossible to understand our world today without understanding the last 100 years of Middle Eastern history. The history of the region in the 20th century is so varied and complex that it defies easy explanations. Shifting borders, governmental overthrows, ethnic and nationalist tensions, and political and economic forces on the world stage all had a hand in shaping the course of Middle Eastern history. Ultimately, however, the story is one of people searching for self-determination, from the stumbling alliances after the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the Arab Spring uprisings. The Middle East in the 20th Century offers a marvelous introduction to this story and sheds an important light on today's geopolitical stage. Taught by author and Arabist Eamonn Gearon, these 24 enlightening and well-thought-out lessons bring clarity to a convoluted region, and linear organization to a multifaceted story. As he introduces you to the people, places, and leaders over the ages, Eamonn revisits numerous significant events from different perspectives, including the role of the British in shaping the region in the wake of the Ottoman Empire, the formation of Israel, and Arab Nationalism. As you will learn, international forces had a particularly strong impact, from the discovery of oil in Iran in 1908 to the Suez Crisis of 1956 to the oil shocks of the 1970. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes tragic, and always fascinating, The Middle East in the 20th Century is an absolute must for anyone who wants to understand our world today.