Blood and Oil (2010)
Blood and Oil: The Middle East in World War I delves into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of World War I—the extensive combat operations in the Middle East. While the Dardanelles/Gallipoli campaigns have received some attention, this documentary sheds light on the broader conflict that unfolded in the region during the war.
The historical significance of the Ottoman Empire’s demise in 1918 cannot be overstated. As the empire crumbled, it paved the way for a complex web of military and political chaos in the Middle East—a legacy that continues to shape the region to this very day. Two critical lessons emerge from this period:
- The Treaty of Versailles: In 1919, the Western Powers agreed to the Treaty of Versailles, which had far-reaching consequences for the Middle East. The arbitrary division of Ottoman territories into “spheres of influence” by the British and French laid the groundwork for ongoing conflicts. The creation of new nations—such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia—was driven by Western interests, often disregarding cultural, historical, religious, and demographic considerations.
- Oil Reserves and Strategic Concerns: The Middle Eastern oil reserves became a vital strategic concern for Western Powers. These reserves justified their economic, diplomatic, and military interference in the region. The defeat of the Ottoman Empire turned out to be a hollow victory, as the subsequent geopolitical landscape was fraught with wars, revolts, coups, and military occupations.
The film explores how the great powers—Britain, France, and others—asserted control over the Middle East while simultaneously battling each other. The armistice that ended the war in Europe did little to quell regional conflicts, and insurgencies persisted based on tribal, religious, and ethnic identities.
Blood and Oil: The Middle East in World War I provides a sobering perspective on the consequences of Western intervention and the enduring impact of decisions made a century ago. The fall of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent reshaping of the Middle East continue to reverberate, making this documentary a vital exploration of a pivotal historical period.
