1. European Imperialism in the Middle East
The Sykes-Picot Agreement and its Lasting Impact

2. The Ottoman Empire
At its height with Suleiman the Magnificent in mid-16th century
Weak leadership, corruption, social unrest, and military defeats led to decline
Decentralization allowed nationalism and tribalism to take hold

3. European Expansion in MENA
By the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire known as the "sick man of Europe"
European empires expand into North Africa
France ---- Algeria (1830) & Tunisia (1878)
Britain ---- Egypt & Cyprus (1882)
Italy ---- Libya (1912)
Ottomans turn to Germany

4. World War I
The Ottoman Empire joins the Central Powers- Germany, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Bulgaria
Arabs, hungry for self-determination, join the Allied Powers- Britain, France, Italy, Russia, and the US
In North Africa, Arabs fought as conscripts for colonial powers  
Arab Revolt ( ), McMahon- Hussein Correspondence –promise of a unified Arab state 
"Great Britain will give to the Arabs her advice and will assist them to establish what may appear to be the most suitable forms of government."

5. Sykes-Picot Agreement
Britain and France agree to carve up the Middle East in to mandates
Motivations:
Resources
Ports of entry
Railways
Betrayal of Arabs 

6. The Balfour Declaration (1917)
Letter written by British Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour
Sent to Lionel Walter Rothschild, a prominent Zionist leader
Expressed Britain's support for Jewish homeland
consideration for non-Jewish residents of area
not an excuse for mistreatment of Jewish people outside of area

7. Motivations and Complications
right thing to do
garner support from Jewish people for the Allied Powers
solidify Britain's influence in Palestine
Complications:
instability in the region
Push back domestically

8. The Map
The borders laid out in the Sykes- Picot Agreement have largely remained the same in the Levant.  They did not account for the unique ethnic and religious demographics of the region.  This disregard has been the root of many violent and protracted conflicts since.    

9. Mandate System League of Nations, 1919 French Mandates: Lebanon Syria
British Mandates:
Palestine
Transjordan
Mosul, Baghdad, Basra (Iraq)