Wednesday, October 11 at 7 p.m. – Lawrence of Arabia, the Arab Revolt and the Middle East.
In 1914, World War I was raging. In the Middle East England was fighting the Turks who had aligned themselves with Germany. The Arabs were seeking to gain freedom from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. England needed to protect the Suez Canal which was the lifeline to India, her most valuable colony. Add to this mix a young idealized English archeologist who had dreams of liberating an oppressed people. Lawrence would encourage the Arabs to join with the Allies with a promise that any lands liberated by them would be under Arab control at the war’s end. This is a story of false diplomacy, and broken promises, which continue to haunt the world to the present day.
Bob Begin grew up in Maine, graduated from Babson College, served 2 years active duty in the Army, and had a career of 35 years in the paper and film industry culminating as a Logisitcs Director. The love of history continues to be very rewarding as he enjoys retirement. Hi major focus is on Naval History with emphasis on the Pacific Theater on WWII. He is also intrigued with the Concept Of Empire and how it shaped history throughout the world.