French policy of Ottoman Syria during the Third Republic Era, 1870-1924

In this thesis, the French policy towards Ottoman Syria during the Third Republic Era between 1870-1924 is analysed. This thesis aims to demonstrate the main characteristics of pre and the post-war expectation of France over Ottoman Syria after the break-out of World War I. This thesis focuses on that the post-war expectations of France related to the Ottoman Empire and province of Syria based on its position as the traditional protector of Christians as well as the large-scale economic investment in the Ottoman Empire, France's mission of bringing civilization to Levant and an attempt to reinstate France's prestige and honour were at stake after the defeat of Franco-Prussian War in 1870 were also played a significant role. This thesis emphasized that, with the establishing of Third Republic, France started colonial expansion under the Third Republic extending to Syria. The argument here is that the Parti Colonial was one of the most crucial elements of the French political system leading to the occupation of Mandate system in Syria. The thesis concludes that there was political and public mass opposition against the French Mandate in Syria between the years 1920-1924.