Britain's Levantine Empire, 1914-1923

During the First World War, Britain established a military rule in the urban eastern Mediterranean, which is explored in the book "Britain's Levantine Empire, 1914-1923". It combines novel case studies and theoretical approaches to reveal the extent of military control and the impact on cities such as Alexandria, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, and the towns and islands between them. The study provides an in-depth history of soldiers' experiences and their impact on urban planning, nightlife, entertainment, policing, and security.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Britain's Levantine Empire, 1914-1923 delves into the intricate tapestry of the rise, decline, and nature of British military rule in the urban eastern Mediterranean during the tumultuous First World War and its aftermath. By employing novel case studies and theoretical frameworks, this comprehensive volume unveils the profound extent of military control that Britain established and intended to maintain in the post-Ottoman world. However, a series of confrontations with nationalist and socialist anti-imperialists necessitated a new division of the eastern Mediterranean, which still shapes the political boundaries of the present day.

Through the lens of British servicemen who played pivotal roles in constructing this empire, the book offers a unique and in-depth exploration of their experiences and profound impact on the urban centers of the Eastern Mediterranean. While histories of soldiers' experiences during the First World War have predominantly focused on their frontline endeavors, this study provides a much-needed perspective that delves into the intricacies of their lives and the transformative effects they had on the bustling urban hubs of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The presence of thousands of men at arms and the accompanying imperialist interventions reshaped the very fabric of urban planning, nightlife, entertainment, policing, and security. The streets of Alexandria, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, and the towns and islands in between pulsated with the energy of these military personnel as they embarked on voyages, established camps, explored, and patrolled the city streets.

The book sheds light on the complex dynamics that unfolded in these urban environments, exploring how the military presence influenced social structures, cultural practices, and political ideologies. It examines the challenges and complexities faced by the servicemen as they navigated the cultural and social landscapes, often encountering tensions and conflicts with local populations.

Furthermore, Britain's Levantine Empire, 1914-1923 sheds light on the broader geopolitical implications of British military rule in the region. It explores the complex interplay between imperialism, nationalism, and local resistance movements, examining how these forces shaped the course of the war and the post-war settlement.

In conclusion, Britain's Levantine Empire, 1914-1923 is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the rise, decline, and impact of British military rule in the urban eastern Mediterranean during the First World War and its aftermath. By delving into the experiences of the servicemen who built this empire and examining the broader geopolitical context, the book provides valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted history of this region.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192895769