The League of Nations approved the mandate for Syria and Lebanon as part of the post-World War I settlements. This mandate was crucial in determining the future governance of these regions, previously part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the war, European powers sought to re-establish control over territories to ensure stability and economic interests, and France was granted authority to administer Syria and Lebanon. Under the mandate, France was responsible for administration, while also promising reforms and national independence for the inhabitants. However, this French control often led to resistance among the local population, fueling nationalistic sentiments.

The mandate was part of a broader strategy to redraw borders and spheres of influence in the Middle East, significantly impacting the political landscape. The arrangement was seen as controversial; while some welcomed French involvement for stability, many viewed it as another form of colonialism. Syrian and Lebanese nationalists increasingly opposed foreign rule, leading to uprisings such as the Great Syrian Revolt in 1925. By the end of the French mandate in the mid-20th century, these clandestine national struggles laid the groundwork for the eventual independence of both nations.

Overall, the establishment of the mandate marked a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, leading to longstanding effects on regional politics and the emergence of national identities in Syria and Lebanon. The governance choices made during the mandate years were integral in shaping the 20th-century narratives of both countries, planting the seeds for future conflicts and alliances.