“The Arab Revolt had little impact on the territorial settlement in the Middle East after the First World War.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement in the question. Candidates may refer to the impact of Sharif Hussein, the leader of the revolt, who aspired to become the leader of a new kingdom that would comprise Syria and Mesopotamia. Hussein had offered the British assistance in their fight against the Ottomans; however, prior to 1916 Britain had no need of his help and this was reflected in the 1915 McMahon–Hussein correspondence, in which Britain made no firm commitments to support an independent Arab state. In fact, by the time that the Arab revolt began in mid-1916, the Sykes–Picot Agreement had already been agreed and this outlined the basic principles behind the proposed division of the Middle East. Conflict between Hussein and the Saud family also tempered the significance of the Arab revolt as Britain supported both sides. While other relevant factors that contributed to the territorial settlement, for example the mandate system, the British pursuit of oil in Iraq and the French refusal to reduce their claims in Syria, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.