Synopses & Reviews
Blending an analysis of general political, diplomatic, and military trends with a description of how Zionist pioneers coped with ongoing social developments and challenges, Stein recounts the events that would ultimately lead to the formation of the State of Israel in May 1948. The study begins with the wave of Russian pogroms that erupted in 1882 and stimulated an interest in Jewish migration to Palestine. Stein proceeds to the experiences of the first batch of settlers as they established farms, fostered the rejuvenation of Hebrew, and coped with the local Arab population. He examines how Theodore Herzl's worldwide modern Zionist movement gathered momentum and led to a further increase in Jewish settlement in Palestine.
This book covers key events such as the pioneering efforts to establish collective farms, the inauguration of Jewish defense organizations, the Balfour Declaration, and the formation of the British Mandate. Stein focuses on the gradual but persistent consolidation of the Jewish community as a self-contained body, looking closely at important institutions such as the Trade Union Federation, as well as the development of political parties. Later chapters chronicle the growing strife with the Arab population and the disintegration of the British Mandate, which would eventually culminate in the declaration of a Jewish state.
Review
Eminently readable, this book presents a balanced, sensible, and accurate rendition of the major events leading up to the formation of the State of Israel. It would appeal to the knowledgeable and non-informed reader alike.Anita Shapira Tel Aviv University
Review
[F]or those who wish a good, solid, overview of the Jewish nationalist resurgence in Israel, this book is valuable for students and general readers alike.Middle East Studies Association Bulletin
Review
This well-written book provides a comprehensive and lucid account of the rise of modern IsraelAvigdor Leby Brandeis University
Review
This is a concise and reliable history of the establishment of the state of Israel from the beginnings in the 19th century to the War of Independence based on wide reading of all the relevant literature, both the classic works and the more recent studies. It is matter of fact, refreshingly free of academic jargon and current fashions such as post-Zionism.Walter Laquer Center for Strategic and International Studies
Synopsis
Combines an analysis of general political, diplomatic, and military trends with an account of how Zionist pioneers coped with ongoing social developments and challenges.
Synopsis
Blending an analysis of general political, diplomatic, and military trends with a description of how Zionist pioneers coped with ongoing social developments and challenges, Stein recounts the events that would ultimately lead to the formation of the State of Israel in May 1948.
About the Author
LESLIE STEIN is Senior Research Fellow at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction: The Early Beginnings
The First Aliyah: 1882-1903
Modern Political Zionism
The Second Aliyah: 1904-1914
The First World War and the Balfour Declaration
The Early Years of British Rule in Palestine: 1917-1930
Foreboding Times: Palestine in the 1930s
World War Two Years
The Post War Struggle for Independence
Glossary
Bibliography
Index