Great Famine of Mount Lebanon

Mount Lebanon Great Famine

The Great Famine of Mount Lebanon was a period of mass starvation during World War I that affected the population of Mount Lebanon, a region in modern-day Lebanon. The famine lasted from 1915 to 1918 and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 200,000 people, which was about half of the population of the region at the time.

Causes

The famine was caused by a combination of factors, including the Ottoman blockade, which prevented food and other supplies from reaching the region, and a severe locust infestation that destroyed crops. The blockade was part of the larger World War I strategy, as the Ottoman Empire sought to cut off supplies to the Allied forces and their supporters in the region.

Impact

The impact of the famine was devastating. The population of Mount Lebanon was reduced by half, with many people dying from starvation and related diseases. The famine also had long-term effects on the region's economy and social structure, as many families were left destitute and the agricultural sector was severely damaged.

Relief Efforts

During the famine, various relief efforts were attempted, both locally and internationally. However, these efforts were often hampered by the ongoing conflict and the Ottoman blockade. Some relief came from the American Red Cross and other international organizations, but it was not enough to prevent the widespread suffering and death.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the famine saw significant changes in the region. The population decline and economic hardship contributed to the eventual collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent establishment of the French Mandate in the region. The famine also left a lasting legacy in the collective memory of the people of Lebanon, and it is remembered as one of the darkest periods in the country's history.

See also

• World War I
• Ottoman Empire
• Lebanon
• Locust infestation
• French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon