Forty thousand Jews immigrate mainly from Russia to Palestine between 1904 and 1914, following pogroms and outbreaks of anti-Jewish sentiment in that country.

This group, many of whom are infused with socialist ideals, establish the first kibbutz, Degania, in 1909 and form self defense organizations, such as Hashomer, to counter increasing Arab hostility and to help Jews to protect their communities from Arab bandits.

The suburb of Jaffa, Ahuzat Bayit, established at this time, will grow into the city of Tel Aviv.

During this period, some of the underpinnings of an independent nation-state arise: The national language Hebrew is revived; newspapers and literature written in Hebrew published; political parties and workers organizations are established.

The outbreak of the Great War effectively ends the period of the Second Aliyah.