Introduction
The collapse of the Shihab emirate, subsequent to the Egypto-Ottoman crisis and the European powers' activities in the Middle-East lead to a long period of instability in Mount Lebanon. The Ottomans sought to prevent any change liable to go against their interests. Political settlements alternated with internecine wars and socially inspired peasants' revolts. Religious cleavages deepened.
After Ibrahim Pasha[1]'s defeat on 10 October 1840 and Bashir II's subsequent destitution, the European coalition, the Ottomans and the Mountain's populations, unanimous in reinstating the pre-1831 political regime, neglected to agree steps or terms towards its implementation. By September 3rd, and contrary to traditional practice, a firman[2] established Bashir III as governor of the Mountain. This appointment, unwarranted in the absence of a military decision, was designed to signal the Porte's wish to exercise its power single-handed. On the strength of Ottoman promises, Druze leaders exiled by Ibrahim Pasha and Bashir II returned home in the spring of 1841 intent on reasserting the authority and privileges attached to their rank, and on recovering their confiscated estates. Bashir III opposed their activities and even sought to weaken them; he was backed by the British who considered him a « functionary »
of the Ottoman Empire. France, who needed to recover some of the influence squandered by the failure of her “Egyptian trump” encouraged dissent, notably among the Maronite clergy and peasantry who feared fresh excesses from the power in place.
