Guide Note: Pan Arabism is a movement for the unification of all Arab people. Growing from the desire to be free from Ottoman Empire domination and an opposition to western colonialism, the Pan Arabism movement emerged as a call to unify the nations of the Middle East and northern Africa around a secular cultural heritage. Initially, Pan Arabism leaders received some tacit support from Britain, but conflicting treaties and agreements, notably the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and British Mandate of Palestine ended this relationship. While Pan Arabism is still a force in many countries, particularly those with strong Baathist contingents, the popularity of the movement was significantly decreased by the Arab defeat by Israel in the Six Day War.

Fast Facts:

1. First proposed in 1915 by Sharif Hussein ibn Ali
2. A secular, nationalist movement
3. Often included socialist ideas
4. Opposed rule by the Ottoman Empire
5. Opposed Western colonialism
6. Popularity waned following Arab defeat by Israel in the Six Day War
7. Many Bathists still espouse Pan Arabism

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