The Formation of Military Government by King Hussein of Jordan in 1970

Name: The Formation of Military Government by King Hussein of Jordan in 1970
Start: 1935-09-16
Location: Unspecified

The Political Landscape Before the Military Government

In the late 1960s, Jordan was facing tremendous political and social pressures. The aftermath of the Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in a growing Palestinian population, which began to exert significant influence on Jordan's internal affairs. King Hussein, a descendant of the Sherif of Mecca, was determined to maintain stability within the kingdom, leading to a tense and uncertain environment.

King Hussein's Challenging Reign

King Hussein, who had ascended to the throne in 1952, had already navigated several crises. His leadership was often challenged by leftist groups and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which sought to establish a Palestinian state. The rise of these factions within Jordan threatened its sovereignty, prompting King Hussein to take extreme measures to assert control.

The Rise of Fatah and Tensions with Palestinian Groups

By 1970, the influence of the Fatah movement, led by Yasser Arafat, had grown significantly. This posed a direct challenge to King Hussein's authority, leading to a power struggle that would culminate in violence. The Jordanian government's attempts to mediate between various factions often failed, as militant groups conducted operations from Jordanian territory.

The Military Government Formation

In September 1970, following a series of clashes known as "Black September," King Hussein declared a state of emergency and formed a military government. This was a pivotal moment that aimed to reassert his control over the country and to quell the growing unrest.

Black September: Catalyst for Change

The Black September conflict erupted when the PLO attempted to overthrow the Jordanian monarchy, leading to violent confrontations in cities like Amman. King Hussein's decisive actions against both the PLO and other militant factions led to significant loss of life but ultimately helped to reestablish some order in Jordan.

The Aftermath and Repercussions

The establishment of a military government allowed King Hussein to consolidate his power, but the ramifications were profound. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced, leading to a permanent rift between Jordan and the PLO. Over time, Jordan would adopt a different diplomatic approach towards the Palestinian issue, but the events of 1970 were pivotal in shaping the nation’s trajectory.

Fun Fact

Unexpected Origins of the Black September Name

The term 'Black September' originates from the events of 1970, reflecting the tragic and violent nature of the conflict. It has since been adopted by various groups and organizations across the Middle East, emphasizing the deep scars that conflict can leave on history.