The History of the Middle East

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Student Question

Can you provide an example of a German or Ottoman territory reassigned after World War 1?

Quick answer:

After World War I, the League of Nations reassigned territories from Germany and the Ottoman Empire through a mandate system. For example, Palestine and Iraq, former Ottoman territories, were placed under British control. Germany's African colonies were divided among Belgium, France, and Britain. Other German territories, like Pacific Islands, were assigned to South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. This system aimed to prepare these regions for self-government and lasted until 1946.

Expert Answers

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After World War I, League of Nations members were given mandates to govern former Ottoman or German colonies, like Palestine and Iraq, for example, which were put under the care of Great Britain. Let's look at this idea in more detail.

Germany and Ottoman Turkey lost World War I, but the League of Nations determined that while these two countries could not retain their colonies or territories, such areas were not prepared for self-government. Therefore, the victorious Allied nations split their governance among themselves through the mandate system.

The League of Nations classified German and Ottoman holdings into three classes, each with its own mandate. In Class A, Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, which once belonged to Turkey, were split between Great Britain and France. In Class B, Germany's African colonies were divided between Belgium, France, and Britain. In Class C, further German colonies, including Pacific Islands, fell under the governance of nearby countries like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. This mandate system remained in place until 1946.

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