The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret agreement between Britain and France during World War I which planned the division of the Ottoman Empire`s Arab provinces into specific spheres of influence. This agreement has had far-reaching consequences for the Middle East, and has been a topic of discussion in AP Euro classes.
The agreement was signed on May 19, 1916, between British diplomat Mark Sykes and French diplomat François Georges-Picot. The agreement divided the Ottoman Empire`s Arab provinces into French and British zones of influence, in exchange for promises to support Arab independence from the Ottomans. The agreement was secret and was not revealed to the Arabs until after World War I.
The Sykes-Picot Agreement had a major impact on the Middle East and led to the creation of many of the borders that exist today. The agreement divided the territory of the Ottoman Empire into separate states, which were often drawn along arbitrary lines that ignored tribal and cultural boundaries. This led to a number of conflicts and disputes that continue to this day.
In addition, the Sykes-Picot Agreement undermined the promise of Arab independence and contributed to a growing sense of Arab resentment towards the West. Many Arabs viewed the agreement as a betrayal, and the legacy of the agreement continues to shape Arab attitudes towards the West.
In conclusion, the Sykes-Picot Agreement was a secret agreement between Britain and France during World War I which planned the division of the Ottoman Empire`s Arab provinces into specific spheres of influence. The agreement had far-reaching consequences for the Middle East, and has been a topic of discussion in AP Euro classes. Today, the legacy of the agreement continues to shape Arab-West relations and is a reminder of the power of secret diplomacy in shaping world events.