The Montreux Convention, signed in Switzerland, was a landmark agreement that regulated navigation through the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits, which are critical chokepoints connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. This treaty emerged in a post-World War I context, where previous treaties had diminished Ottoman control over territories and waterways. With the rise of Turkish nationalism and the tenure of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the leader of Turkey, the necessity for a framework that allowed Turkey to reclaim some degree of authority over its own territory became paramount.

The Montreux Convention authorized Turkey to fortify these straits, thus enhancing its military presence in this strategically vital region. At the same time, it provided a guarantee for free passage for the merchant ships of all nations during peacetime, a resolution that sought to balance Turkey's sovereign rights with international commercial interests. The treaty was signed by multiple nations, including those with interests in the Black Sea region, thus indicating a collaborative approach to managing maritime navigation.

This agreement was significant not only for its immediate geopolitical implications but also for its long-term effects on regional stability. Turkey's ability to control access to the Black Sea would play a critical role in subsequent conflicts and global politics. As tensions rose in Europe, the strategic importance of Turkey and its waterways became increasingly relevant, leading to further negotiations and conflicts throughout the 20th century.