The Genesis of Jordan
An academic exploration of the Emirate of Transjordan's formation, governance, and transition to sovereignty, detailing its history as a British protectorate.
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Historical Context
Post-Ottoman Landscape
Following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the region of Transjordan emerged from the administrative territory of OETA East. Initially, it was recognized as part of the Hashemite-ruled Arab Kingdom of Syria. However, after the Battle of Maysalun in July 1920, Transjordan became a politically undefined territory. The British, administering neighboring Mandatory Palestine, opted to maintain a degree of separation from this region, avoiding immediate formal ties.
British Agreements and Influence
The establishment of the Emirate was shaped by complex geopolitical agreements. The McMahon-Hussein Correspondence (1915-1916) outlined British commitments to Arab independence in exchange for the Arab Revolt. Concurrently, the secret Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) defined spheres of influence for Britain and France in the partition of the Ottoman Empire. These agreements, particularly regarding the definition of Arab independence and spheres of influence, laid the groundwork for future administrative arrangements in the region, including Transjordan.
Ottoman Administrative Structure
Prior to the British Mandate, most of Transjordan was administratively part of the Ottoman Syria Vilayet. The territory was divided into sanjaks such as Hauran and Ma'an. Northern Transjordan had traditional ties to Syria, while the southern regions were associated with the Arabian Peninsula. The Ottoman Tanzimat reforms in the latter half of the 19th century began to establish a more centralized state structure. The completion of the Hejaz Railway in 1908 significantly improved Ottoman military and administrative reach southward.
Establishment of the Emirate
Abdullah's Ascendancy
Following the French defeat of the Arab Kingdom of Syria at the Battle of Maysalun, Transjordan entered a period of administrative uncertainty. Abdullah bin Hussein, brother of the recently deposed King Faisal I, entered the region in November 1920. By March 1921, he had effectively occupied much of Transjordan. A pivotal Cairo Conference in March 1921, convened by Winston Churchill, resulted in the agreement that Abdullah would administer Transjordan under the British Mandate for Palestine, with a degree of autonomy.
Mandate Integration and Article 25
The British government proposed the inclusion of Transjordan within the Palestine Mandate, introducing Article 25. This article allowed Britain to postpone or withhold provisions related to the Jewish national home in Transjordan, thereby creating a distinct administrative entity. A memorandum presented to the League of Nations in August 1922 confirmed Transjordan's exclusion from Jewish settlement provisions. This strategic move formally established the Emirate of Transjordan as a separate entity, albeit under the broader Palestine Mandate framework.
Governance and Recognition
Abdullah established his government on April 11, 1921, with Amman as the capital. The British formally recognized Transjordan as an independent government on May 25, 1923, contingent on the territory being constitutional and allowing British oversight in financial, military, and foreign policy matters. This gradual transfer of authority aimed to fulfill, in spirit, Britain's wartime promises to the Arabs while managing regional stability.
Defining the Territory
Southern Access and Disputes
The strategic importance of the southern region of Ma'an-Aqaba was recognized for ensuring Transjordan's access to the sea via the Port of Aqaba, thereby preventing it from becoming landlocked. This area, with a small population, was administered by OETA East and later claimed by the Kingdom of Hejaz. Following the Saudi conquest of Hejaz, the region was formally annexed by Abdullah's Transjordan, a position privately acknowledged by Ibn Saud in subsequent agreements.
Eastern and Negev Frontiers
The eastern border with Iraq was influenced by strategic considerations, including the proposed Kirkuk-Haifa oil pipeline. This boundary was initially defined by the Uqair Protocol of 1922 between Iraq and Nejd. The Negev region was added to Palestine in July 1922, having been conceded by British representative John Philby on behalf of Transjordan. Abdullah's subsequent requests to include the Negev within Transjordan were ultimately unsuccessful.
Demographic Landscape
Estimated Population
No official census was conducted during the British Mandate period. However, British estimates in March 1921 placed the population at approximately 230,000. This figure included diverse groups such as Circassians, Chechens, Christians, and predominantly Muslim Arabs. By the early 1940s, estimates suggested the population had grown to between 300,000 and 350,000.
Regional Distribution (1921 Estimate)
The British estimate from March 1921 provided a breakdown of the population across different territories:
Security and Stability
External Threats
The primary security challenge to Abdullah's rule stemmed from repeated incursions by Wahhabi tribesmen, known as the Ikhwan, from Najd (modern Saudi Arabia) into southern Transjordan. The Emir lacked the capacity to repel these raids independently, necessitating appeals for British military assistance. The British maintained an air force base near Amman, which played a crucial role in deterring and repelling Ikhwan incursions between 1922 and 1924.
Internal Security Forces
To manage internal security and suppress local rebellions, such as the Kura Rebellion (1921) and the Adwan Rebellion (1923), Abdullah relied on British support. The development of a local security force, initially known as Peake's Reserve Force and later evolving into the Arab Legion, was instrumental in consolidating the government's authority over the population and maintaining public order.
Transition to Kingdom
The 1946 Treaty of London
Steps towards full independence began in earnest in early 1946. British Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin announced the government's intention to establish Transjordan as a fully independent and sovereign state. The Treaty of London was signed on March 22, 1946, formalizing this transition. The League of Nations recognized Transjordan's impending independence on April 18, 1946, during its final session.
Independence and Renaming
On May 25, 1946, the parliament of Transjordan ratified the Treaty of London, redesignating Abdullah from 'Amir' to 'King' and officially establishing the "Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan." While May 25th is celebrated as Independence Day, the mandate officially concluded on June 17, 1946, when ratifications were exchanged. In 1949, following the annexation of the West Bank, the country's name was constitutionally changed to the "Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan."
United Nations Membership
Jordan's application for United Nations membership in 1946 was initially vetoed by the Soviet Union, citing a lack of full independence from British control. A subsequent treaty in March 1948 removed remaining restrictions on sovereignty. Despite this, Jordan was not admitted to the UN until December 14, 1955, after several years of diplomatic efforts to resolve membership issues.
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References
References
- Wilson 1990, p. 75: Wilson cites Political report for Palestine and Transjordan, May 1923, FO 371/8998
- Martin Sicker, (1999) Reshaping Palestine: From Muhammad Ali to the British Mandate, 1831â1922 p 158.
- Wilson 1990, p. 48: "Abdullah's arrival in Maâan on 21 November threatened to disrupt Samuel's cosy arrangement. According to reports, Abdullah had a force of 300 men and six machine guns."
- [Memorandum drawn up in London by Middle East Department Prior to Palestine Conference]. Report on Middle East Conference held in Cairo and Jerusalem, Appendix 2, p. 30. June 1921, CO935/1/1
- Biger 2004, p. 181; Biger references 10 July 1922 meeting notes, file 2.179, CZA.
- Amadouny 2012, p. 132-133; Amadouny cites Lawrence, 'Transjordan-Extension of Territory', 5 January 1922, CO 733 33.
- Marjorie M. Whiteman, Digest of International Law, vol. 1 (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1963) 631
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