Montreux Convention Establishes Dardanelles Control

July 20th, 1936

July 20th, 1936

Montreux Convention Establishes Dardanelles Control
How Long Ago?

88 years, 7 months, 23 days ago

Location

Montreux, Switzerland

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
  • James B. McDonald
  • Francois-Poncet
  • Milan Stojadinović
Links & References
Tags

Montreux Convention Establishes Dardanelles Control

The Montreux Convention was signed to grant Turkey control over the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits. This agreement allowed Turkey to fortify these crucial waterways while ensuring free passage for ships of all nations during peacetime. The convention was pivotal in shaping international maritime law and Turkey's strategic significance in the region.

Regulated navigation through Dardanelles and Bosphorus

Authorized Turkish fortification of key waterways

Supported free passage for all nations in peacetime

Influenced future geopolitical strategies in the region

What Happened?

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.

Why Does it Matter?

The Montreux Convention is interesting because it illustrates the complexities of international diplomacy in the wake of World War I. It established principles that would govern naval power dynamics in the region for decades and represented a significant assertion of Turkish sovereignty. The control of maritime routes has remained a central theme in geopolitical strategies, especially during periods of conflict like World War II and the Cold War.

Discover More Historic Events from July 20th

Space Exploration

Jeff Bezos' Historic Flight to Space

July 20th, 2021 3 years ago

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, successfully flew to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-16 on a ten-minute suborbital flight. The spacecraft launched from West Texas, carrying Bezos and three other crew members, including his brother Mark Bezos and aviation pioneer Wally Funk. The mission marked a pivotal moment for private spaceflight, showcasing advancements in commercial space travel and bringing attention to Blue Origin's future ambitions in space exploration.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

O. J. Simpson Paroled After Nine Years

July 20th, 2017 7 years ago

O. J. Simpson was granted parole after serving nine years out of a 33-year sentence for armed robbery. The decision was made during a hearing held by a Nevada parole board where members discussed his rehabilitation and behavior in prison. Simpson expressed remorse and a desire to reunite with family. The hearing was attended by over 50 people, and many expressed support for Simpson's release.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Devastating Explosion in Suruç, Turkey

July 20th, 2015 9 years ago

A massive explosion targeted the Socialist Youth Associations Federation in Suruç, a predominantly Kurdish town in Turkey, killing at least 31 individuals and injuring over 100. This attack occurred in the context of rising tensions in the region, particularly related to the Kurdish political movement and its opposition to the Turkish state. The bombing struck during a peace rally, aimed at promoting Kurdish rights and solidarity, marking a significant moment of violence in an already turbulent area.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

U.S. and Cuba Reestablish Diplomatic Relations

July 20th, 2015 9 years ago

The United States and Cuba officially resumed full diplomatic relations after over five decades of hostilities, marked by the reopening of embassies in Washington, D.C., and Havana. This significant move represented a thawing of Cold War tensions and was celebrated by many in both countries as a step towards reconciliation. John Kerry, then U.S. Secretary of State, visited Cuba for the flag-raising ceremony at the U.S. Embassy, symbolizing a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations following years of negotiations.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

FARC Attack Claims Lives of 17 Soldiers

July 20th, 2013 11 years ago

In a significant clash, seventeen government soldiers were killed by FARC revolutionaries in the Arauca department of Colombia. This violent incident was part of the ongoing conflict that has plagued Colombia for decades, where FARC engaged in combat against government forces for ideological and territorial control. The attack underscored the strength and operational capability of the FARC, particularly in remote regions like Arauca, where they have historically maintained influence and support.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

YPG Expels Islamist Forces from Ras al-Ayn

July 20th, 2013 11 years ago

The Battle of Ras al-Ayn concluded with the People's Protection Units (YPG) successfully expelling Islamist forces from the city in July 2013. The assault marked a significant shift in control over the northeastern city along the Syrian-Turkish border. This victory for the YPG solidified their influence in the region, showcasing their military capabilities and resilience against extremist groups. The battle drew international attention to the complexities of the Syrian civil war, highlighting the differing factions at play.

Continue Reading