European nations were appointed as administrators over several Middle Eastern nations after World War I largely because of the system of "mandates" established by the League of Nations. The specific reasons for appointing European nations as administrators were rooted in the Treaty of Versailles and the broader context of the post-war division of the Ottoman Empire. This mandate system had several goals, but primarily it was intended to establish temporary governance to aid these regions in transitioning to self-governance while still under European supervision.
None of the listed reasons ("to prevent the emergence of an oil-dominant power," "to push against the encroachment of Russia," or "to enforce partitions along old colonial borders") fully encapsulates why select European nations were appointed administrators. Instead, the key reasons were:
Mandate System: The League of Nations established mandates to manage former territories of the Ottoman Empire and German colonies. The mandate system was designed to oversee these regions and prepare them for eventual independence, with European nations serving as "mentors" or administrative authorities.
Distribution of Ottoman Territories: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles and the subsequent treaties (like the Sykes-Picot Agreement) led to the division of Ottoman territories. The European powers, primarily Britain and France, were given mandates over regions like Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. This division was intended to bring stability and guide the regions toward self-governance.
European Influence and Interests: While the mandate system was ostensibly about guiding territories toward self-governance, the European nations had their interests, such as controlling resources (including oil) and maintaining geopolitical influence in the region. Britain and France were prominent administrators, each with strategic interests in the Middle East.
Therefore, the mandate system and the political agreements among European nations following World War I were the primary reasons why European nations were appointed as administrators over Middle Eastern nations. These mandates were intended to manage the transition from Ottoman rule to eventual independence, while also allowing European powers to maintain some level of control and influence in the region.
