Britain holds significant historical responsibility for the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Since the late 19th century, Britain occupied Egypt to control the Suez Canal and, during World War I (1914-1918), made contradictory promises to both Arabs and Jews regarding Palestine. These actions laid the foundation for enduring regional conflicts. This study examines how Britain’s role in shaping the modern Middle East is represented in British secondary school history textbooks, particularly in relation to World War I. Despite the multicultural direction of British history education, textbooks generally fail to adequately address Britain’s historical impact on the Middle East. Secondary-level textbooks often omit or superficially cover Britain’s role, while higher-level textbooks provide more detailed accounts of key agreements and policies. However, these narratives frequently lack critical engagement with Britain’s historical responsibility. In classrooms, a (white) British-centric perspective is further reinforced by teachers’ backgrounds, historical consciousness, and World War I centennial commemorations, which emphasize national sacrifice and patriotism from a white British viewpoint. As a result, colonial mobilization, the experiences of colonized peoples, and the destructive impact of British actions on the Middle East risk being marginalized. This trend may further solidify a Western narrative that views the Middle East primarily through the lens of violence and terrorism, hindering a more nuanced and historically informed understanding of the region.
Eunjae Park (Mon,) studied this question.