Revolt in Iraq (1920)

Abstract

In 1920, somewhat unexpectedly, a powerful insurgency broke out in Iraq, prompting a huge effort by the new lords of Mesopotamia, the British. The uprising proved the unexpectedly broad support for nationalism in a country that had until now emphasized its ethnic-religious divisions, tribal structure and anarchic traits. The British managed to crush the uprising with only 100,000 soldiers and a huge financial effort, and in doing so they knew no mercy. What Iraqis saw as a “revolution” forced the occupiers to make political concessions and establish a constitutional kingdom.