Sykes-Picot Agreement and Its Impact

The Sykes-Picot Agreement, conceived during World War I, aimed to divide the Middle East between British and French control. It was driven by colonial ambitions and strategic interests, such as protecting the Suez Canal. The agreement disregarded Arab independence aspirations, despite promises made by TE Lawrence. It led to the creation of new countries and spheres of influence, with arbitrary borders that remain controversial. The agreement's legacy is a debated topic, as it laid the foundation for the modern Middle East.

What was the primary goal of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• To promote Arab independence

• To end World War I

• To divide the Middle East between British and French control

• To establish peace in Europe

What was Britain's main interest in the Middle East during the Sykes-Picot negotiations?

• To promote democracy

• To protect the Suez Canal and connections to India

• To establish a new empire

• To support the Ottoman Empire

Who were the main architects of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle

• Sir Mark Sykes and Francois George-Picot

• David Lloyd George and Georges Clemenceau

• T.E. Lawrence and Mustafa Kemal

What was T.E. Lawrence's role in the Middle East during World War I?

• He was a French diplomat negotiating the Sykes-Picot Agreement

• He was an Ottoman general defending the empire

• He was a Russian revolutionary influencing the region

• He was a British colonel who promised Arab independence

How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement affect Arab aspirations for independence?

• It was welcomed by all Arab leaders

• It fully supported Arab independence

• It ignored Arab aspirations and divided their lands

• It led to immediate Arab independence

Which territories did France gain control over as a result of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• Saudi Arabia and Yemen

• Iraq and Kuwait

• Syria and Lebanon

• Palestine and Jordan

What was the fate of Palestine under the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• It became an independent state

• It was placed under international administration

• It was given to Britain

• It was given to France

What was a major criticism of the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• It was too favorable to the Ottoman Empire

• It ignored the cultural and political realities of the region

• It led to the unification of the Middle East

• It was never implemented

Which event was not considered in the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

• The growth of Arab nationalism

• The end of World War II

• The emergence of Turkey

• The Bolshevik Revolution

What is the legacy of the Sykes-Picot Agreement in the modern Middle East?

• It established lasting peace

• It was completely forgotten

• It created stable borders

• It laid the foundation for ongoing conflicts