Or, An American Tail being set in Palestine. Of course, an animated movie wouldn't be set in such an ethnically volatile area.
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Judea Rising
- Thread starter Meshakhad
- Start date
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Actually, the biggest upside of this timeline is that I don't anticipate much ethnic violence. If there is going to be any, it'll happen right away.
The reason is that we are going to have a titanic surge of Jewish immigration. Arab nationalism is still developing, and the Jews are coming into Palestine with the consent of the Ottoman leadership. The plan is for a Jewish majority by 1914. Neither Herzl nor his colleagues plan to oppress the Arabs or exclude them from power.
Also, a good percentage of the Arab population growth in Palestine in the early 20th century came from immigration due to the improving economic conditions. Here, that's not going to happen. The economy is still going to improve, but Arabs won't be as able to take advantage of it due to a glut of poor Jewish labor.
A huge factor in the OTL conflict came from the Jews being a minority in pre-1948 Palestine. Here, they become a majority very quickly. Many Arabs will see the Jews not as European invaders, but as another Semitic people returning home (IOTL, King Abdullah Husseini, the first King of Jordan, felt this way).
Some Arabs will want to kick the Jews out, but most will see them in a manner similar to the Kurds - a non-Arab people who are a majority in one area. While many will still dream of incorporating Palestine into a wider Arab union, the Jewish majority in Palestine will be a fait accompli by the time they are in a position to do anything about it.
The Middle East ITTL will not be free of violence (that would be ASB). But one of its most persistent conflicts will be absent.
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While the Palestinian conflict may not be exist, these Jewish migrants are still going to have enemies to face. Any Middle Eastern power is going to make an enemy.
Hopefully any hypothetical Jewish state would have a stronger relationship with the indigenous Arab population. With presumably no local Arab insurgency this timeline's Israel is going to have a easier time than OTL. Especially if the more favorable view of the Jews translates to better relations with neighboring countries.
Governing in the Middle East is never easy. It may not be the clusterfuck of OTL, but Middle Eastern politics are never a picnic.
This surely won't save the Ottomans, but I am deeply curious what type of Jewish state may arise from this.
This should be interesting.
I for one look forward to see how this effects the inevitable World War One. Even IOTL, there were a lot of Jews pretty darn supportive of the Central Powers: after all, they were the guys fighting against Russia. It took a lot of things for Jews in America to switch their support to the Allies. Here, a whole lot of Jews will support the Central Powers, if only because they already have a pretty good deal with the Ottoman Empire.
Also, assuming the British (or the Europeans in general) come to control the area, I could see the Jews and Arabs form an alliance against the Europeans. Now that would lead to some fun dominos.
I for one look forward to see how this effects the inevitable World War One. Even IOTL, there were a lot of Jews pretty darn supportive of the Central Powers: after all, they were the guys fighting against Russia. It took a lot of things for Jews in America to switch their support to the Allies. Here, a whole lot of Jews will support the Central Powers, if only because they already have a pretty good deal with the Ottoman Empire.
Also, assuming the British (or the Europeans in general) come to control the area, I could see the Jews and Arabs form an alliance against the Europeans. Now that would lead to some fun dominos.
Assuming Nazism does still develop, then yes.
IOTL, the Nazis originally considered simply expelling the Jewish population, but there was no country that would take them. ITTL, the Nazis will expel the entire Jewish population of Germany to Judea. Once World War II starts, the Nazis will realize the problem with shipping Jews to a hostile nation. That will lead them down the path of thought to the Holocaust. The utter hatred that the Judeans and Nazis will have for each other will be insane.
Incidentally, among those who will be expelled is a young Jewish boy by the name of Henry Kissinger...
I'm probably going to have him as a Foreign Minister in the '60s and/or '70s, possibly even Prime Minister.
Most Jews who IOTL came to the West in the 1920s from Eastern Europe will be coming to Judea ITTL.
That's a whole lot of butterfly murder.
But, assuming that the Ottoman Empire will roughly follow its OTL path until its demise, I wonder how will a Jewish-majority province influence the events of the early 20th century, in particular those concerning a certain other people with (in Istanbul, at least) a "merchant minority" reputation not too unlike that of the Jews themselves... and if the Armenian Genocide is lessened or prevented, there will be one less chapter in history that could make Hitler come up with an idea like the Final Solution.It is. But this is the sort of POD that will take time to have a major impact.I'm actually planning on publishing this story with Sealion, and I've been inspired by such stories as Fight And Be Right or With Iron And Fire. Assuming an Ottoman defeat, the outcome of World War I will not be changed, creating the conditions for Hitler's rise. And while I could easily butterfly him away, I really don't want to. About 50% of my motivation for creating this timeline is to get a Jewish state at war with the Nazis (the other 50% is averting the Palestinian conflict).
Right now, there's a good chance there will be no Armenian genocide. The Sultan will try to replicate his Jewish experiment in Armenia.
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Chapter 3: Ted, Ed, and Eddie
Chapter 3: Ted, Ed, and Eddie
(Taken from "House of the Red Shield" by Israel Rubin [1], Tel Yafa University Press, 1989)
As much as the Ben-Gurionists might have wished it, it would have been nearly inconceivable for the Rothschilds not to become involved in the Zionist project. Already they had sponsored a number of settlements. The question was not whether any Rothschilds would be involved, but which ones.
The Rothschild family had numerous branches across Western Europe. While it would have seemed natural for the Austrian-born Herzl to seek out the Viennese branch, he actually never did. Herzl had never liked Albert von Rothschild, and the feeling was mutual. For that matter, the Viennese Rothschilds had never been strong supporters of Zionism. The British Rothschilds had the largest fortune in the world, but Baron Nathan Rothschild sat in the British Parliament, and Herzl was a little wary of bringing a Briton in, considering the strong likelihood that Jerusalem would be at war with Britain in the not too distant future.
Instead, it was the French Rothschilds he approached. Both Edouard and Edmond de Rothschild were attendees at the First World Zionist Congress. Edmond in particular was a passionate supporter of the Zionist cause. So when he and his cousin were summoned to meet with Herzl privately, they assumed Herzl was after their money, which they were happy to give. Herzl was after their money, but he was also after something more. He didn't just want Rothschild money. He wanted a Rothschild.
"The situation has changed," he told them. "It is not a matter of planting a settlement here and a settlement there. For the first time since the fall of the Second Temple, a Jew rules the Land of Israel, albeit as a governor of the Ottoman Empire. I need capable advisors. And, I will admit, having a Rothschild in command of the mutasifarrate's finances will provide me with a measure of prestige. I have no doubt that the Sultan will not object. As long as I remain loyal and keep paying the jizya tax we agreed on, he will be quite satisfied."
At this point, Edmond admitted that he had little to do with the banking side of things. Herzl turned to Edouard, who was a Regent of the Banque of France. While Edouard was not as passionate about Zionism as Edmond, he was sufficiently interested to accept Herzl's offer. If nothing else, this could prove to be one heck of a long-term investment.
A few days later, both Rothschilds chose to join Herzl's administration. Edouard de Rothschild was named Director of the Treasury, while Edmond de Rothschild was named Director of Settlement. Herzl had chosen to merely call them "directors" in order to assure the Sultan he was not planning on seceding.
Using the Rothschild personal funds, Edmond began to purchase large tracts of land from absentee Arab landlords for Jewish settlement. The welcome mat was out, and Jews began to flood into the Holy Land...
(Taken from "A History of Zionism", Devon Harrington, Cambridge University Press, 1970)
In the spring of 1899, Sultan Abdul Hamid II made his first state visit to Jerusalem since appointing Herzl as governor. He toured the new settlements, taking in the dramatic changes already wrought. He worshipped at the Dome of the Rock. On May 18, He spoke at the Third World Zionist Congress (now held in the brand-new Sultan Abdul Hamid II Hotel), assuring the delegates of his support for the Zionist project:
"The exile of the Jewish people from their homeland must surely rank among the great crimes of history. I myself have tried to imagine what it would be like to be separated from my homeland for centuries, but I cannot conceive it. Inshallah, G-d willing, we will correct this injustice!"
The Sultan then declared "Am Yisrael Chai!" (the People of Israel Live!). In a pre-arranged response, Herzl led a chant of "Yechi Ha-Sultan!" (Long Live the Sultan!).
Later that day (as planned), the Sultan met with the Mufti of Jerusalem. He inquired as to the state of the province's Muslim population and assured the Mufti that he had not forgotten his duties as Caliph. This had been timed to occur on a Thursday, so that on Friday, the Mufti reassured his followers...
(Taken from "DK Eyewitness Guides: Jerusalem", 2011)
Sultan Abdul Hamid II Hotel & Conference Center
[2]
The grandest hotel in Jerusalem. Constructed in 1898 for the express purpose of hosting the annual meetings of the World Zionist Congress, the Sultan (as it is commonly known) was, for many years, a de facto government building, even temporarily housing the offices of the High Commissioner, and its bar remains a favored meeting place for politicians, diplomats, and reporters. In 1937, the Sultan was sold off to its own employees, becoming a worker-run collective, as it still is today.
Facilities include an Olympic-sized pool, a full gym, free high-speed Internet. It is highly recommended to book well in advance...
Price: $$$$$
(Taken from "A History of Zionism", Devon Harrington, Cambridge University Press, 1970)
In addition to all the pomp and splendor of a visit by the Sublime Porte, Abdul Hamid had come for the very practical matter of meeting with Governor Herzl and his administration. It was the first time the Sultan had met either of the de Rothschilds. Abdul Hamid wanted to discuss two key proposals with Herzl.
The first was a notion of population swaps. The Sultan had already approved of the land purchases Edmond's office was making, but was concerned about the impact on the tenents, most of whom were Muslim Arabs, and many of whom were being pushed out by Jewish immigrants. He proposed that a formal program be set up to invite Jews from elsewhere in the Empire to move to Jerusalem Province and essentially swap their property with Palestinian Arabs. Thus, the Arabs who feared being pushed out would be assured of opportunities elsewhere. Edmond assured the Sultan that his office could cover the travel expenses, and even offer a cash bonus to the individuals in question.
The second was the creation of a local Jewish armed force. Herzl had discussed this in his first meeting with the Sultan in 1896, but no steps had been taken to implement this - Herzl had been too busy putting his administration in place. The Sultan had occasionally had second thoughts about arming the Jews, but he was also becoming concerned that the rapid development of Jerusalem Province might actually make it more likely that the British would want to move in. Already he was planning to reinforce the province with Ottoman troops, but he had concluded that the Jews should play a role.
Abdul Hamid and Herzl worked out an outline for the role of the planned Jerusalem Guard. It would be a brigade-sized force within the command structure of the regular Ottoman army, and its oaths would be sworn to the Sultan, not the Governor. However, it would be permanently stationed in Jerusalem, and it would have the special right to maintain its own recruitment and training facilities. The Sultan likened it to the Roman Auxiliaries (the Ottomans were fond of comparing themselves to the Romans).
As for who would command it, both the Governor and the Sultan had one man in mind. The man who, in a way, had started this whole mess.
That October, Herzl and Edouard set off for France. Edouard was going to consult with his cousins and generally check on the Rothschild properties in France. Herzl, meanwhile was going to pay a visit to one Captain Alfred Dreyfus...
[1] Israel Rubin is a real person IOTL. Aside from having written a few books, including a history of the Krymchaks (Crimean Jews), he's also a distant relative of mine.
[2] While not located in quite the same place, the Sultan is the allohistorical equivalent of the renowned King David Hotel.
(Taken from "House of the Red Shield" by Israel Rubin [1], Tel Yafa University Press, 1989)
As much as the Ben-Gurionists might have wished it, it would have been nearly inconceivable for the Rothschilds not to become involved in the Zionist project. Already they had sponsored a number of settlements. The question was not whether any Rothschilds would be involved, but which ones.
The Rothschild family had numerous branches across Western Europe. While it would have seemed natural for the Austrian-born Herzl to seek out the Viennese branch, he actually never did. Herzl had never liked Albert von Rothschild, and the feeling was mutual. For that matter, the Viennese Rothschilds had never been strong supporters of Zionism. The British Rothschilds had the largest fortune in the world, but Baron Nathan Rothschild sat in the British Parliament, and Herzl was a little wary of bringing a Briton in, considering the strong likelihood that Jerusalem would be at war with Britain in the not too distant future.
Instead, it was the French Rothschilds he approached. Both Edouard and Edmond de Rothschild were attendees at the First World Zionist Congress. Edmond in particular was a passionate supporter of the Zionist cause. So when he and his cousin were summoned to meet with Herzl privately, they assumed Herzl was after their money, which they were happy to give. Herzl was after their money, but he was also after something more. He didn't just want Rothschild money. He wanted a Rothschild.
"The situation has changed," he told them. "It is not a matter of planting a settlement here and a settlement there. For the first time since the fall of the Second Temple, a Jew rules the Land of Israel, albeit as a governor of the Ottoman Empire. I need capable advisors. And, I will admit, having a Rothschild in command of the mutasifarrate's finances will provide me with a measure of prestige. I have no doubt that the Sultan will not object. As long as I remain loyal and keep paying the jizya tax we agreed on, he will be quite satisfied."
At this point, Edmond admitted that he had little to do with the banking side of things. Herzl turned to Edouard, who was a Regent of the Banque of France. While Edouard was not as passionate about Zionism as Edmond, he was sufficiently interested to accept Herzl's offer. If nothing else, this could prove to be one heck of a long-term investment.
A few days later, both Rothschilds chose to join Herzl's administration. Edouard de Rothschild was named Director of the Treasury, while Edmond de Rothschild was named Director of Settlement. Herzl had chosen to merely call them "directors" in order to assure the Sultan he was not planning on seceding.
Using the Rothschild personal funds, Edmond began to purchase large tracts of land from absentee Arab landlords for Jewish settlement. The welcome mat was out, and Jews began to flood into the Holy Land...
(Taken from "A History of Zionism", Devon Harrington, Cambridge University Press, 1970)
In the spring of 1899, Sultan Abdul Hamid II made his first state visit to Jerusalem since appointing Herzl as governor. He toured the new settlements, taking in the dramatic changes already wrought. He worshipped at the Dome of the Rock. On May 18, He spoke at the Third World Zionist Congress (now held in the brand-new Sultan Abdul Hamid II Hotel), assuring the delegates of his support for the Zionist project:
"The exile of the Jewish people from their homeland must surely rank among the great crimes of history. I myself have tried to imagine what it would be like to be separated from my homeland for centuries, but I cannot conceive it. Inshallah, G-d willing, we will correct this injustice!"
The Sultan then declared "Am Yisrael Chai!" (the People of Israel Live!). In a pre-arranged response, Herzl led a chant of "Yechi Ha-Sultan!" (Long Live the Sultan!).
Later that day (as planned), the Sultan met with the Mufti of Jerusalem. He inquired as to the state of the province's Muslim population and assured the Mufti that he had not forgotten his duties as Caliph. This had been timed to occur on a Thursday, so that on Friday, the Mufti reassured his followers...
(Taken from "DK Eyewitness Guides: Jerusalem", 2011)
Sultan Abdul Hamid II Hotel & Conference Center
[2]The grandest hotel in Jerusalem. Constructed in 1898 for the express purpose of hosting the annual meetings of the World Zionist Congress, the Sultan (as it is commonly known) was, for many years, a de facto government building, even temporarily housing the offices of the High Commissioner, and its bar remains a favored meeting place for politicians, diplomats, and reporters. In 1937, the Sultan was sold off to its own employees, becoming a worker-run collective, as it still is today.
Facilities include an Olympic-sized pool, a full gym, free high-speed Internet. It is highly recommended to book well in advance...
Price: $$$$$
(Taken from "A History of Zionism", Devon Harrington, Cambridge University Press, 1970)
In addition to all the pomp and splendor of a visit by the Sublime Porte, Abdul Hamid had come for the very practical matter of meeting with Governor Herzl and his administration. It was the first time the Sultan had met either of the de Rothschilds. Abdul Hamid wanted to discuss two key proposals with Herzl.
The first was a notion of population swaps. The Sultan had already approved of the land purchases Edmond's office was making, but was concerned about the impact on the tenents, most of whom were Muslim Arabs, and many of whom were being pushed out by Jewish immigrants. He proposed that a formal program be set up to invite Jews from elsewhere in the Empire to move to Jerusalem Province and essentially swap their property with Palestinian Arabs. Thus, the Arabs who feared being pushed out would be assured of opportunities elsewhere. Edmond assured the Sultan that his office could cover the travel expenses, and even offer a cash bonus to the individuals in question.
The second was the creation of a local Jewish armed force. Herzl had discussed this in his first meeting with the Sultan in 1896, but no steps had been taken to implement this - Herzl had been too busy putting his administration in place. The Sultan had occasionally had second thoughts about arming the Jews, but he was also becoming concerned that the rapid development of Jerusalem Province might actually make it more likely that the British would want to move in. Already he was planning to reinforce the province with Ottoman troops, but he had concluded that the Jews should play a role.
Abdul Hamid and Herzl worked out an outline for the role of the planned Jerusalem Guard. It would be a brigade-sized force within the command structure of the regular Ottoman army, and its oaths would be sworn to the Sultan, not the Governor. However, it would be permanently stationed in Jerusalem, and it would have the special right to maintain its own recruitment and training facilities. The Sultan likened it to the Roman Auxiliaries (the Ottomans were fond of comparing themselves to the Romans).
As for who would command it, both the Governor and the Sultan had one man in mind. The man who, in a way, had started this whole mess.
That October, Herzl and Edouard set off for France. Edouard was going to consult with his cousins and generally check on the Rothschild properties in France. Herzl, meanwhile was going to pay a visit to one Captain Alfred Dreyfus...
[1] Israel Rubin is a real person IOTL. Aside from having written a few books, including a history of the Krymchaks (Crimean Jews), he's also a distant relative of mine.
[2] While not located in quite the same place, the Sultan is the allohistorical equivalent of the renowned King David Hotel.
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Deleted member 67076
Im very interested to see how this goes, especially the impacts in the greater Ottoman and Middle Eastern economy.
Assuming we get the majority Jewish Palestine by 1914, this means a migration of several hundred thousand inhabitants to the region (many of them skilled and educated workers), which will drastically revitalize the region. The knock off effects will be huge, especially if it means greater capital for railroads, ports and other infrastructural upgrades in the region. (Perhaps an earlier Hejaz railway?)
But anyways, the upgrades and extra manpower in the region in turn alters the war effort during the First World War, and we could see a difference in how the Egyptian front turns out. I could be wrong, but the Southern Palestine front looks like it will be a much harder nut to crack, if it cracks at all.
Assuming we get the majority Jewish Palestine by 1914, this means a migration of several hundred thousand inhabitants to the region (many of them skilled and educated workers), which will drastically revitalize the region. The knock off effects will be huge, especially if it means greater capital for railroads, ports and other infrastructural upgrades in the region. (Perhaps an earlier Hejaz railway?)
But anyways, the upgrades and extra manpower in the region in turn alters the war effort during the First World War, and we could see a difference in how the Egyptian front turns out. I could be wrong, but the Southern Palestine front looks like it will be a much harder nut to crack, if it cracks at all.
While I'm still working on the next chapter, allow me to offer the following teaser:
Major Political Parties of Judea as of 1930:
Workers' Party
Leader: Ya'akov Hazan
The Workers' Party (more often called the Judean Communist Party) are revolutionary communists who think that the Socialists are either just too soft or are being bribed with Rothschild money. They want a complete break with Britain and can be openly disdainful of religion. In practice, they do support most of the Socialists' immediate goals on the basis that some progress is better than no progress. They have attracted a disproportionate number of Arab supporters recently.
Socialist Party
Leader: David Ben-Gurion
The Socialists advocate a gradual reformation of society, promoting worker-owned co-ops instead of corporations. They are neutral on the subject of religion, opposing the imposition of Jewish law, but occasionally using religious rhetoric themselves. The Socialists also favor universal military service, and their influence within the military makes many nervous. As of the 1930 elections, the Socialists (combined with the Workers and Unionists) have formed a majority government, with Mr. Ben-Gurion as Prime Minister.
Unionist Party
Leader: Ya'akov Rotshil
The Unionists (sometimes called the Tories) favor maintaining Judea's current relationship with Britain and laissez-faire economics, albeit with a heavy state influence. Their main center of support is Haifa.
Nationalist Party
Leader: Vladimir Zhabotinsky
The Nationalists want a state that is free of non-Jews. They openly dismiss the Arab minority as either insignificant or as invaders. They also favor a break with Britain, but where the Workers' Party would seek an alliance with the Soviet Union, the Nationalists believe that Judea should stand alone. Many have compared them to fascist movements in Italy and Germany, although they openly despise foreign fascists. The Nationalists won a plurality in the 1925 elections, and with the help of TJP formed a very shaky government.
Torah Judaism Party
Leader: Mordechai Weingarten
The TJP favors a state guided by Jewish law. With their support coming almost entirely from the old Jewish communities of Old Jerusalem and Tzfat, they have little power, but none of the other Jewish parties (except the Communists) dare openly disparage them.
Arab Unity Party
Leader: Raghib al-Nashashibi
The Arab Unity Party advocates for the Judean Arab community. They favor autonomy for Judean Arabs, with some advocating a separate territory for the Arabs. They are also social conservatives, which has led to some surprising ties to the TJP. Dominated by the established Arab families, they have been losing supporters to the Socialists and Communists.
Major Political Parties of Judea as of 1930:
Workers' Party
Leader: Ya'akov Hazan
The Workers' Party (more often called the Judean Communist Party) are revolutionary communists who think that the Socialists are either just too soft or are being bribed with Rothschild money. They want a complete break with Britain and can be openly disdainful of religion. In practice, they do support most of the Socialists' immediate goals on the basis that some progress is better than no progress. They have attracted a disproportionate number of Arab supporters recently.
Socialist Party
Leader: David Ben-Gurion
The Socialists advocate a gradual reformation of society, promoting worker-owned co-ops instead of corporations. They are neutral on the subject of religion, opposing the imposition of Jewish law, but occasionally using religious rhetoric themselves. The Socialists also favor universal military service, and their influence within the military makes many nervous. As of the 1930 elections, the Socialists (combined with the Workers and Unionists) have formed a majority government, with Mr. Ben-Gurion as Prime Minister.
Unionist Party
Leader: Ya'akov Rotshil
The Unionists (sometimes called the Tories) favor maintaining Judea's current relationship with Britain and laissez-faire economics, albeit with a heavy state influence. Their main center of support is Haifa.
Nationalist Party
Leader: Vladimir Zhabotinsky
The Nationalists want a state that is free of non-Jews. They openly dismiss the Arab minority as either insignificant or as invaders. They also favor a break with Britain, but where the Workers' Party would seek an alliance with the Soviet Union, the Nationalists believe that Judea should stand alone. Many have compared them to fascist movements in Italy and Germany, although they openly despise foreign fascists. The Nationalists won a plurality in the 1925 elections, and with the help of TJP formed a very shaky government.
Torah Judaism Party
Leader: Mordechai Weingarten
The TJP favors a state guided by Jewish law. With their support coming almost entirely from the old Jewish communities of Old Jerusalem and Tzfat, they have little power, but none of the other Jewish parties (except the Communists) dare openly disparage them.
Arab Unity Party
Leader: Raghib al-Nashashibi
The Arab Unity Party advocates for the Judean Arab community. They favor autonomy for Judean Arabs, with some advocating a separate territory for the Arabs. They are also social conservatives, which has led to some surprising ties to the TJP. Dominated by the established Arab families, they have been losing supporters to the Socialists and Communists.
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