Were the European governments ( Britain and France) Justified in their decision to create mandates in the Middle East at the end of World War 1 ?
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To answer this question, we will need to examine the events and motivations behind the creation of mandates in the Middle East by Britain and France at the end of World War I. The term "mandate" refers to a legal status granted by the League of Nations (the predecessor of the United Nations) to authorize a government to administer a territory on behalf of the League.
Here are the steps you can take to explore the justification behind the creation of mandates in the Middle East:
1. Start by examining the context of post-World War I. The defeat of the Ottoman Empire during the war led to a power vacuum in the region, creating an opportunity for European powers to assert control.
2. Look into the specific agreements and treaties that were made during this period. The most significant were the Sykes-Picot Agreement (1916) between Britain and France, and the Treaty of Sèvres (1920) which officially recognized the mandates.
3. Evaluate the motivations of Britain and France. One argument in favor of the mandates is that these European powers claimed to be fulfilling a "civilizing mission" by bringing stability, development, and modernization to the region. They believed that the local populations were not yet ready for self-governance.
4. Examine the strategic interests of Britain and France. Controlling these territories would provide them with access to key trade routes, resources, and geopolitical advantages. For example, Britain was interested in securing control over the Suez Canal and ensuring a pathway to India.
5. Consider the implications for the local populations. Critics argue that the creation of mandates disregarded the principle of self-determination for the peoples of the region. It often resulted in the suppression of nationalist movements and imposed artificial borders that did not align with ethnic or religious divisions.
6. Explore the reaction and resistance of the local populations. The mandates faced widespread protests and uprisings, including the Arab Revolt (1916-1918) and the Iraqi and Syrian revolts (1920).
By following these steps and conducting further research, you will gain a better understanding of the justifications put forth by Britain and France for their decision to create mandates in the Middle East. It is important to acknowledge that there are diverse perspectives on this topic, and different arguments can be made for or against the justifications provided by these European powers.