The Mandate System

The Mandate System was established after World War I to administer former territories of defeated empires, primarily Germany and the Ottoman Empire. Under this system, these regions were entrusted to advanced nations—mainly Britain and France—who had a responsibility to prepare them for self-rule. The system aimed to balance imperial interests with the idea of guiding these territories toward independence, often promising their development and better governance. While it was presented as a trust, in practice, it often maintained colonial control, leading to debates about sovereignty and self-determination.