Thomas Lawrence Influence

In 1914 at the beginning of World War I, a revolt was sparked, and a battle began that would change history forever. The people of the Arabic nations wanted independence from the Ottoman Turks that were heavily taxing the people, a feudal system was introduced, an addition to the system called the ‘Sukhra’ system was introduced, which allowed for Arab youth to be taken from their homes to serve the Ottoman army. People were forced to be Turks, the Arab languages were banned in schools and people were prosecuted. Life for the Arabs was horrible and hopeless and the Turks prevented the Arabs from living free lives. His life, his involvement in the war, his influence, and his effect on the world will be discussed here.

Thomas Edward Lawrence
He attached himself to the army of Emir Faisal where he used his maps and understanding of the region to fight the Turks. They raided on the Turks’ railroads which crippled their supplies providing more opportunities for Britain to fight against the Turks. Lawrence was captured by the Turks where he was tortured and abused in many ways which left him permanently scarred both emotionally and physically. But the Arabic tribes were beginning to fight amongst themselves, so disillusioned, Lawrence returned to England. On October 8, 1918, he was honored by the king with the Order of Bath and the Distinguished Service Order which were both high orders, but Lawrence refused, he was a humble man as he once said. ”I've been, and am absurdly over-estimated. There are no supermen and I'm quite ordinary … ”. Lawrence had also failed the Arabs and for the rest of his life he felt guilty that he had betrayed the trust of his friends, and he expressed that by saying “To me an unnecessary action, or shot, or casualty, was not only waste but
the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible” describes how he followed his dream to make an influence on the world. Although he suffered greatly through severe torture and abuse and did not fully accomplish what he had intended to. He still made an impact in saving many lives throughout the world. He changed the course of history forever through his courage, quick thinking, and determination to fight for what he believed