A very brief description of the benefits of studying humanities and an overview of some historical developments including the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict

1. Dr. Sivabala Naidu
sivabala@eltc.edu.my

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To describe and discuss Humanities
To explain the importance of Humanities
To discuss key historical events of the
twentieth century

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Study of human concerns
Different from natural processes (e.g. physics
or chemistry).

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From classical Greek paideia which means
general education
To prepare young men for citizenship
Dates back to the 5th century.

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Deals with the great traditions of the past
Develops critical thinking
Improve creativity and sensitivity to the
environment

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One facet in the study of humanities.
Other areas are geography, performing arts,
visual arts, philosophy etc.

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The first Zionist Congress was held in
Swtzerland (1897)
It led to the formation of the World Zionist
Organisation with the aim of creating a Jewish
state in Palestine
Arab nationalism grew in response to this
with Palestine at the centre of conflict

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British claimed Palestine after its war with the
Ottomans (Turkey)
Thus the fight for Palestine intensified
British handed the issue of ownership of
Palestine to the UN (1947)
A UN Special Commission was set up to settle
the dispute

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The commission decided to split the territory
(Partition of the territory)
The Zionists accepted the proposal but the
Arabs rejected it
Brought to the UN general assembly which
accepted the proposal
The issue is still in conflict

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Started approximately around 100BC in the
Bujang Valley in Kedah
Evidence: Candi Batu Pahat in Bujang Valley
(located in Merbok, Kedah)
Integration of Hindu administration and
Indian traditions

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Via ancient Hindu governments
Example: Srivijaya a centre of trade and
commerce in the Malay archipelago

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Founded in 1400 by a Hindu prince from
Palembang (Parameswara)
He set up a maritime government
Prospered because of its strategic location
Malacca was at its peak under Sultan Mansur
Shah

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Internal rivalry and corruption caused its
decline
The Portuguese captured Malacca in 1511
European colonial expansion began with this
invasion

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The British developed an interest in Malaya in
the mid 18th century
First acquisition: Penang from Kedah
Second acquisition: Singapore from Johor
Third acquisition: Malacca from the Dutch

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Malaya experienced economic growth
Vital commodities: tin and rubber
Chinese and Indian migration increased
Stark divisions between Malays, Chinese and
Indians existed due to British policies

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The British ruled over Malaya till 1942
Defeated by the Japanese in WW2
Japanese imposed military rule: decline in
economy
The British returned in 1945: focus on the
economy and administration
Formed the ‘Malayan Union’: gave equal
rights of citizenship to all.

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Malays were upset with the disregard for their
rights and that of the respective states
UMNO (United Malays National Organisation)
was established
British abandoned the Malayan Union.
Established a federal administrative structure
Offered citizenship to non-Malay immigrants
Federation of Malaya came into being in 1948.

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The Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) and
Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) were
formed.
Alliance with UMNO
The Alliance won in 1955
Achieved independence in 1957

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By 1900, Germany produced more steel than
France and Britain
Germans believed that they were superior
They began to tap into African, Middle East
and Asian markets
The British were unhappy with German’s
success

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Germany formed the Triple Alliance with
Austria-Hungary and Italy
Germans build their naval force
British felt threatened
British-France-Russia formed the Triple
Entente

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A series of violent events occurred.
In Bosnia (1908), Morocco (1911) and Balkans
(1913)
Led to the First World War (1914-1918)
Ended because of Allied attack on Germany in
Sept, 1918.

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Triggered by the German assault on Poland
(1940)
They overran the Netherlands, Belgium,
Luxembourg and France
France signed an armistice with Hitler
British felt betrayed and sought US-help

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Japan, Italy and Germany formed the Axis
Russians, British and Americans formed the
Allied forces
The allied forces succeeded in the final years
of the war (1944-1945)
On 30 April 1945 Hitler committed suicide
Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945

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Lost of lives was massive.
Not all the dead were soldiers.
Many civilians, Jews, women and children
were also killed.
War is unjustified!