Food Crisis during the First World War in Mount Lebanon and Allegations Against the Ottoman Government in Europe and America Public Opinion

Abstract

With the Ottoman Empire entering the First World War, there was a food supply problem throughout the country. In particular, Syria, Palestine and the Hejaz Fronts where the Fourth Army was deployed were the regions that felt the food problem most. The food problem in Mount Lebanon, whose life veins were cut off due to the sea blockade of the Entente States and problems with the war, turned into a disaster of hunger. Despite its intense efforts, the Ottoman Government could not bring radical solutions to the hunger problem in Mount Lebanon. The aid attempts of the USA and European states towards Mount Lebanon were blocked by the Entente States. During the war years, thousands of innocent people in Mount Lebanon became victims of the famine disaster. The Entente States claimed that the Ottoman Government deliberately starved the Mount Lebanese people and prevented aid from the region. The Entente States’ claims throughout the war led to some accusations against the Ottoman Government in the European and US public opinion. The accusations against the Ottoman Government were denied by the Government and the Syrian and Jabal-i Lebanon clergy.