The withdrawal of French troops from Syria represented a significant moment in the transition of power from colonial rule to independence. Following World War I, Syria was placed under a French mandate, which aimed to administer the territory until it was deemed ready for independence. Over the following decades, nationalistic sentiments grew among the Syrian people, resulting in a series of uprisings and protests against foreign control, peaking during the 1940s amidst the backdrop of global decolonization efforts post-World War II.

By the mid-1940s, the French government faced increasing pressure to relinquish its hold on the region, not only from the Syrian population but also from international forces advocating self-determination. The United Nations and Western powers were supportive of nation-building efforts in former colonies, putting further strain on the French administration. On April 17, 1946, the last contingent of French troops withdrew from the Syrian capital, marking the symbolic end of the mandate and paving the way for Syrian sovereignty following years of colonial rule.

In the aftermath of this withdrawal, political instability ensued as various factions vied for power. The Syrian nationalists, who had long fought against colonial forces, found themselves in a challenging position as they sought to unify the country amidst a backdrop of ethnic and political divisions. The departure of French troops not only signified the conclusion of a colonial era but served as a catalyst for the subsequent developments in Syrian politics.