Syria in the 20th Century: From French Mandate to Independence

The 20th century was a transformative period in Syrian history. It marked the transition from centuries of Ottoman rule to modern statehood, shaped by colonial intervention, nationalist struggle, and eventual independence. Syria’s modern identity began to take form through this turbulent and defining era.

The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of the French Mandate

With the end of World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, Arab forces led by Emir Faisal entered Damascus and declared the establishment of the short-lived Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920. However, this aspiration was quickly undermined by European powers through the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the League of Nations, which placed Syria under French Mandate.

In July 1920, French forces defeated the fledgling Syrian army at the Battle of Maysalun, where Minister of War Yusuf al-Azma was killed in defense of Syrian sovereignty. France then took direct control of Syria, marking the beginning of a new colonial chapter.

The French Mandate Period (1920–1946)

During the mandate, France imposed direct and indirect rule, dividing Syria into several autonomous regions—Damascus, Aleppo, Alawite State, Jabal Druze, etc.—to weaken nationalist unity.

Despite repression, resistance movements grew. The most significant was the:

• Great Syrian Revolt (1925–1927), a nationwide uprising led by Sultan al-Atrash, which challenged French authority and galvanized nationalist sentiment across different regions and communities.

Political activism intensified throughout the 1930s and 1940s, led by nationalist parties like the National Bloc, which pushed for independence through diplomacy, protest, and negotiations.

The Path to Independence

After World War II, global pressure—especially from Britain and the United States—mounted on France to end its colonial rule. Though France promised Syria independence in 1941, it delayed full withdrawal.

Growing internal unrest and international diplomatic pressure forced France to finally end its occupation. On April 17, 1946, the last French soldiers left Syrian soil. This date is now celebrated as Evacuation Day (Eid al-Jalaa), Syria’s national independence day.

Post-Independence Syria

Following independence, Syria embarked on the challenging path of building a modern nation. It witnessed a vibrant, yet unstable, political landscape, marked by frequent changes in government and a series of military coups starting in the late 1940s.

Nonetheless, the foundation for Syrian sovereignty, governance, and national consciousness had been laid.

Legacy of the 20th Century

The events of the 20th century were pivotal in shaping modern Syria. From colonial domination to national liberation, Syria’s struggle for self-rule fostered a strong sense of identity and resilience. The period also set the stage for the political dynamics, alliances, and conflicts that would unfold in the decades to come.