Why did conflict grow between Maronites and Druze in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, conflict between the Maronites and the Druze intensified due to a breakdown in the traditional social and political balance of Mount Lebanon. Several factors contributed to this instability:12

• Demographic Shifts: A growing Maronite population moved southward into districts traditionally dominated by the Druze, challenging the established feudal order.12
• Political Disruption: The decline of the Shihāb dynasty, which had previously maintained a degree of harmony between the communities, left a power vacuum after the deposition of Bashīr II in 1840.12
• Foreign Intervention: European powers exacerbated local tensions, with France supporting the Maronites and Britain supporting segments of the Druze.12
• Ottoman Policy: The Ottoman Empire actively encouraged the collapse of the traditional feudal structure to weaken local autonomy and impose direct authority, at times inciting the Druze against the Maronites.123

These tensions culminated in the 1860 massacre of Maronites by the Druze, leading to international intervention and the establishment of an autonomous regime for Mount Lebanon.123