Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
Introduction: Foundations of Revolt explained
The chapter introduces the strategic British support for an Arab rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, led by the Sherif of Mecca, and the mixed reactions and unpreparedness that followed.
What happens
The chapter introduces the strategic British support for an Arab rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, led by the Sherif of Mecca, and the mixed reactions and unpreparedness that followed.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Imperialism
British imperial strategy manipulates Arab aspirations for its own wartime goals.
Honor and Deception
Formal assurances of help contrast with the unreadiness and mixed motives of the Allies.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and participant in the Arab Revolt, reflecting on its origins.
- Sherif Hussein
Leader of the Arab rebellion, whose revolt surprised the Allies.
Key passages
“Some Englishmen, of whom Kitchener was chief, believed that a rebellion of Arabs against Turks would enable England, while fighting Germany, simultaneously to defeat her ally Turkey.”
Key British figures, especially Kitchener, thought an Arab uprising against the Turks could help England defeat both Germany and Turkey at once.
Outlines the strategic rationale for British support of the Arab Revolt.
“Yet none the less the rebellion of the Sherif of Mecca came to most as a surprise, and found the Allies unready.”
Despite prior planning, the Sherif of Mecca's revolt caught the Allies off guard and unprepared.
Highlights the unexpected nature and initial disorganization of the revolt.