ESP – ENG
The struggle for Syrian independence saw one of its most important advances in the general strike of January 1936.
With French colonial authorities repressing the main independence leaders b, as well as totally rejecting any kind of political reform, the National Bloc responded by calling for a general strike.
The call had a major impact, with massive participation alongside student demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. The petty bourgeoisie also joined the mobilization, completely paralyzing commerce in Damascus, Aleppo, and other major cities.
Colonial forces harshly repressed the demonstrations, imposing martial law and arresting hundreds of people. Several students were killed by the army. However, the strike and protests remained strong.
Economic and public pressure forced France to open negotiations, and the strike was suspended on March 6. As a result, the National Bloc signed the France-Syria Independence Treaty, which led to political reform and, years later, after World War II, to the country’s independence.
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Text: Ricardo Vaz. Illustration: Emitxin.