Background Information        

            Lebanon, after becoming an independent country in 1943, remained very peaceful until 1958. This period of peace ended when a group of Lebanese, who were largely Muslim, rebelled against the government. This group of rebels fought against the government plans for political and military alliances with the West.^[1]The rebels then burned a library in Tripoli, and bombed the shops of merchants who didn't cooperate with the general strike they had called. Also, at this time, the United Arab Republic wanted to gain control of Lebanon while it was weak. ^[2]So, Lebanon's independence was in great danger. President Chamoune, who was president of Lebanon during 1958, trusted the U.S.A., and asked them for help. The United States knew about the recent overthrow of the Iraqi monarchy, and quickly sent thousands of Marines in attempt to help save the independence of Lebanon. ^[3]This help from the United States helped restore peace back in Lebanon, and the Marines were able to leave later that year in October.^[4]

Significance

               One reason this event was and still is significant is because it shows how the United States had strong bonds with the West, and how important that was. Lebanon kept an alliance with the West after it became independent, allowing it to keep its independence.^[5]Many of the countries in the Middle East benefitted and continue to benefit greatly from the United States. When they need help, they can rely on a strong country to try to solve the problem. Also, these alliances worked well for the United States, and still do. The United States had, and continues to have, many countries that would help out if it was needed. This was also important because it showed the countries that had alliances with the United States how trustworthy it was. Lebanon needed help, and immediately had thousands of troops sent there by the United States. This showed many countries what kind of country the United States was. In conclusion, 1958 in Lebanon was significant historically because it showed how important an alliance with another country actually was in this region during this time period.