Sykes–Picot Agreement

Quick Facts: Who was Sykes–Picot Agreement?

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Sykes–Picot Agreement

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Secret 1916 treaty defining spheres of influence in the Ottoman Empire.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Sykes–Picot Agreement () was a 1916 secret treaty between the United Kingdom and France, with assent from Russia and Italy, to define their mutually agreed spheres of influence and control in an eventual partition of the Ottoman Empire. The agreement was based on the premise that the Triple Entente would achieve success in defeating the Ottoman Empire during World War I and formed part of a series of secret agreements contemplating its partition. The primary negotiations leading to the agreement took place between 23 November 1915 and 3 January 1916, on which date the British and French diplomats, Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot, initialled an agreed memorandum.

Career & Major Achievements

The agreement was ratified by their respective governments on 9 and 16 May 1916. The agreement effectively divided the Ottoman provinces outside the Arabian Peninsula into areas of British and French control and influence.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The British- and French-controlled countries were divided by the Sykes–Picot line. The agreement allocated to the UK control of what is today southern Israel, Jordan and southern Iraq, and an additional small area that included the ports of Haifa and Acre to allow access to the Mediterranean.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1915: 1915 Milestone — The primary negotiations leading to the agreement took place between 23 November 1915 and 3 January 1916, on which date the British and French diplomats, Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot, initialled an agreed memorandum.
2. 1916: 1916 Milestone — The Sykes–Picot Agreement () was a 1916 secret treaty between the United Kingdom and France, with assent from Russia and Italy, to define their mutually agreed spheres of influence and control in an eventual partition of the Ottoman Empire.

Notable Quotes by Sykes–Picot Agreement

“The agreement was based on the premise that the Triple Entente would achieve success in defeating the Ottoman Empire during World War I.” (1916)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sykes–Picot Agreement

True or False: “The Sykes–Picot Agreement was entirely unknown to the leaders of the Arab Revolt, who were actively seeking self-determination.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the agreement was secret, its general intent and the promises made to Arab leaders, such as those in the McMahon-Hussain correspondence, were known or suspected by key figures, leading to conflict with the treaty's terms.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adriana Caselotti — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): American actress and singer, famed for voicing Snow White in the first Disney feature.
• Ahmed Ben Bella — Historical peer (Born in 1916) (1916): Algerian revolutionary and politician who served as the first President of Algeria.
• A. A. K. Niazi — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Pakistani general who commanded Eastern Command during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Born in 1915) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sykes–Picot Agreement