Watch The Middle East in the 20th Century

Name: The Middle East in the 20th Century
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2021-10-08
Cast: Eamonn Gearon

TV-PG
2021
1 Season

The Middle East in the 20th Century is a comprehensive historical overview of the region, told through the lens of key events, figures, and social and political movements. Hosted by Eamonn Gearon, a leading authority on Middle Eastern history, the course takes learners on a fascinating journey through the tumultuous past of a region that has shaped global politics and influenced culture for centuries.

Through 24 lectures, the course covers the major social, religious, and political movements that influenced the Middle East in the 20th century. It highlights how the region was impacted by world events such as World War I, the Cold War, the rise of oil as a global commodity, and the reconfiguration of borders after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. More than that, the course provides a deep understanding of the internal dynamics of the region, analyzing how the contrasts between nationalism, religion, and modernization have led to periods of radical upheaval and periods of remarkable growth and prosperity.

The course starts by exploring the circumstances leading up to World War I and the impact of the war on the region. It discusses the various agreements between the Great Powers that carved up the region, setting the stage for the future conflicts that would define the Middle East's history. Gearon then delves into the rise of Arab nationalism and the emergence of the Middle East's first independent states, before examining the complex relationship between religion and state power.

Throughout the course, Gearon examines the ongoing conflicts of the region, including the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Gulf wars, and analyzes the roles played by key figures such as Gamal Abdel Nasser, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. He also explores the role of women in the region, examining the changing attitudes towards women's rights and the role of women in politics, business, and society.

One of the strengths of The Middle East in the 20th Century is its ability to provide a balanced view of the region. Gearon does an excellent job of presenting multiple perspectives on key issues, helping learners to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Middle East. He is also adept at breaking down complex historical events into understandable chunks, making the course accessible to learners with varying levels of background knowledge.

The course is heavily researched and well-structured, with each lecture building upon the previous one. It is also beautifully produced, with high-quality visual aids and engaging animations that help explain complex concepts. Alongside the lectures, learners are provided with a comprehensive guidebook that summarizes key points and provides additional reading materials.

Overall, The Middle East in the 20th Century is an outstanding course that provides an in-depth, nuanced view of one of the most complex and fascinating regions of the world. Whether you are a scholar or a casual learner, this course is sure to deepen your understanding of the region and the forces that have shaped its history. Highly recommended.

The Middle East in the 20th Century is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 8, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

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Seasons

24. After the Arab Spring

October 8, 2021

Close with a turning point that bookends the revolutionary century since the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Learn about the causes and consequences of the Arab Spring across the Middle East and North Africa. Although we don't yet know what comes next, what is clear is that change is inevitable, and the past informs the present.

23. Taking Stock of Progress in the Middle East

October 8, 2021

While much of this series has focused on the political and military history of the region, the story of society throughout the 20th century is equally important to understanding the world today. Examine the occupations, lifestyles, health, wealth, education, and other indicators of daily life in the region.

22. Are Democracy and Islam Compatible?

October 8, 2021

Why aren't there more democratic countries in the Middle East? Is there a road that leads from autocracy to democracy? To answer these vexing questions, go back to the end of World War I and survey the shifting types of government throughout the Middle East and North Africa, from the League of Nations to the Arab Spring.

21. US Invasion of Iraq and Its Consequences

October 8, 2021

After the Oslo Accords, the Middle East and North Africa were largely quiet until the 9/11 attacks in the United States. See why the United States used an attack from al-Qaeda as pretext to invade Iraq, and then follow the course of the US war in Iraq through the military exit of 2011.

20. A Path through Oslo to Arab-Israeli Detente

October 8, 2021

The 1993 Oslo Accords were a groundbreaking moment in relations between Israel and representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization-a stunning breakthrough after years of stalemate. Trace the background leading up to this landmark moment, meet the key players, and review the historical significance of the agreement.

19. The First Gulf War in Kuwait

October 8, 2021

Why did Saddam Hussein invade Kuwait fewer than two years after the conclusion of a disastrous war between Iraq and Iran? To answer this question, dive into the invasion and occupation of Kuwait, survey the aftermath of this war, and consider its long-term consequences for Iraq, the West, and the Middle East at large.

18. The Iran-Iraq War and a Decade of Horrors

October 8, 2021

In the wake of 1979, Iran had become a Shia Muslim theocracy, upsetting the strategic balance of power in the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, Saddam Hussein came to power in Iraq as a Sunni minority leader over a secular Arab Nationalist State. Witness the decade of conflict between these two nations.

17. How 1979 Transformed Iran, Egypt, and Iraq

October 8, 2021

Find out why 1979 is one of the most groundbreaking and revolutionary years of the 20th century. In this episode, assess four pivotal events in the region during the shape-shifting year: the Iranian Revolution, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, Iraq's Ba'ath Party purge, and the siege of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque of Mecca.

16. Terrorism, Islam, and Sayyid Qutb

October 8, 2021

Terrorism is a relatively recent political tactic, and it has been employed by groups within the Middle East from the Palestine Liberation Organization to al-Qaeda. Here, reflect on the roots of terrorism in the region, the trouble with the term "Islamic terrorism," and some notable instances of terrorism in the second half of the 20th century.

15. Lebanon's Civil War and Rise of Intolerance

October 8, 2021

In the 1960s, the Lebanese capital of Beirut was known as "the Paris of the Middle East" and a destination for international jet-setters. Explore the history of this nation, which gained independence in 1943, and see how it was torn apart by war from 1975 to 1990. Survey the roots, actions, and consequences of this civil war.

14. The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973

October 8, 2021

Delve into the politics and economics of oil and its impact on the Middle East. After reviewing the founding and purpose of OPEC, Eamonn walks you through several "oil shocks" in the Middle East. See how oil drove political activity and provided a lever of power for oil-producing countries.

13. The 1967 Arab-Israeli War and Its Aftermath

October 8, 2021

Conflicts between Israel and neighboring Arab states is a major theme of the region's history for the past 70 years. In this episode, look at the causes, results, and long-term consequences of the Six Day War of June 1967 and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War of October 1973.

12. Middle Eastern Armies and Coup D'etats

October 8, 2021

Between 1949 and 1970, no fewer than 20 successful coup d'etats took place across the Middle East and North Africa. After defining what this military intervention looks like, Eamonn considers examples in Iran, Syria, and elsewhere to understand how these coups affected life and politics.

11. The Algerian War of Independence

October 8, 2021

Shift your attention to the North African nation of Algeria and witness the war for independence against France, from 1954 to 1962. The Algerian War provides a prism through which to view the French colonial experience in the region, along with the region's experience of the French.

10. The Suez Crisis and Cold War in the Desert

October 8, 2021

The Cold War between the US and Soviet superpowers played out in myriad ways in the Middle East, and Egypt offers a great case study. Here, see how Nasser played both sides against each other, and then turn to other conflicts, including the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Lebanon Crisis of 1958, and the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

9. How Nasser Transformed Egypt and the World

October 8, 2021

Gamal Abdul Nasser is such a towering figure of 20th century history that the period from 1952 to 1970 could be thought of as "the Age of Nasser." Meet this political revolutionary, learn about his political philosophy of Arab nationalism, and review his presence on the world stage.

8. European Anti-Semitism and Israel's Birth

October 8, 2021

The roots of Zionism stretch back decades, arguably to the year 70 CE, but antisemitism in Europe throughout the 19th century led activists such as Theodore Herzl to push for an independent Jewish state. Trace the development of Israel, including the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the migration between the wars, and the creation of Israel in 1948.

7. World War II Fault Lines in the Middle East

October 8, 2021

Take a high-level look at World War II and its impact on the Middle East and North Africa. Eamonn takes you inside several notable battles, including the Battles of El Alamein and Operation Torch. He reflects on the impact of the war on local populations and their political objectives.

6. The Muslim Brotherhood and Its Founder

October 8, 2021

One of the most influential figures in 20th century Middle East history is the Muslim imam Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood. Examine the process of secularization taking place between the wars and review al-Banna's efforts to create a pan-Islamist force throughout the Middle East.

5. Monarchies of the 20th-Century Middle East

October 8, 2021

Examine the monarchies in the Middle East and North Africa in the period between the World Wars. After reviewing the kinds of Mideast monarchies in this era, you will delve into the particular example of Saudi Arabia and reflect on how the politics of oil shaped the region.

4. Egyptian Revolution and Turkish Independence

October 8, 2021

Continue your study of the fallout from World War I, here with a look at the Turkish War of Independence in 1919, as well as anti-British uprisings from Egypt to Iraq. By 1923, the Middle East and North Africa had a new map. Witness the retreat of the British from the politics of Egypt, Syria, and elsewhere.

3. World War I and the Ottoman Empire's Fall

October 8, 2021

The First World War was a tremendous turning point for the Middle East. During the war, Great Britain made incompatible promises about Arab and Turkish nationalism, as well as the construction of a Jewish state. See how these contradictory forces collided in the years after the war.

2. Constitutional Revolts in Persia and Turkey

October 8, 2021

Some of the earliest pushes for constitutional reform in the Middle East occurred in Persia (modern Iran) and Turkey. Look at how protests in Persia led to a new government. Then meet the Young Turks who wanted a united Turkey to supersede the Ottoman Empire. Consider how these revolutions fell short.

1. A Middle East Crossroads in the Year 1900

October 8, 2021

This series opens in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, when the forces of nationalism and political reform were simmering in the Middle East and North Africa. See how Western imperialism, the politics of oil, and the push for a Jewish state all set the stage for the 20th century. #History

Description

The Middle East in the 20th Century is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 8, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

Where to Watch The Middle East in the 20th Century

The Middle East in the 20th Century is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Middle East in the 20th Century on demand at Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime and Amazon.