First Syrian Republic

The First Syrian Republic, officially called the Syrian Republic, began in 1930. It was part of the Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon and came after the State of Syria. In 1936, a treaty of independence was created to give Syria its freedom and end French control, but the French government did not agree to this treaty.

From 1940 to 1941, the Syrian Republic was ruled by Vichy France. After soldiers from the Allies came in 1941, Syria started moving toward becoming fully independent. Independence was announced in 1944, but it was not until October 1945 that the United Nations officially recognized the Syrian Republic. Syria became a fully independent and separate country on 17 April 1946, when French soldiers left the country. The First Syrian Republic was later replaced by the Second Syrian Republic when a new constitution was approved on 5 September 1950.

Background

In 1925, a French leader was chosen to oversee Syria, and later that year, a Syrian leader named Ahmad Nami became the head of the government. He and the French agreed on important goals, like choosing leaders through elections and creating a Syrian army so French soldiers could leave. However, the governments he formed could not achieve these goals.

Later, new elections were held, and a group called the National Bloc, led by Hashim al-Atassi, became very influential. They wanted a constitution that would give Syria more control, but the French did not agree. When the group tried to create a new constitution, the French stopped them and did not let the meetings continue. This showed the difficulties Syria faced in trying to become independent from French control.

History

Mandatory Syrian Republic (1930–1946)

The first Syrian constitution

Main article: Syrian Constitution of 1930

On 14 May 1930, French leaders created a new constitution for Syria. Soon after, on 22 May 1930, the State of Syria became the Republic of Syria. This constitution also described a new flag for Syria with three horizontal stripes—green, white, and black—and three red five-pointed stars on the white stripe.

Elections were held in late 1931 and early 1932 to choose leaders under this new constitution. The National Bloc, a group seeking independence, had fewer seats than expected because of voting rules set by French authorities. In 1932, Muhammad 'Ali Bay al-'Abid became the first president of the new republic.

Franco-Syrian Treaty of Independence and the Sanjak of Alexandretta

Main articles: Franco-Syrian Treaty of Independence and Sanjak of Alexandretta

In 1936, after talks with French leaders, a treaty was signed that promised Syria independence. The treaty said Syria would become fully independent over 25 years. It also said that areas like the Alawite region and Jabal Druze would become part of Syria.

However, France did not approve this treaty. In 1938, France took away a region called Alexandretta and made it part of Turkey in 1939, even though the treaty said it should stay with Syria.

World War II and independence

When France fell in 1940 during World War II, Syria was controlled by leaders who worked with Nazi Germany. In 1941, British and Free French forces entered Syria and helped it move toward independence. Syria announced independence in 1941, but it was not fully recognized until 1 January 1944.

In May 1945, fighting broke out between Syrian leaders and French forces. French troops attacked Damascus, causing damage and injury. Syria joined the United Nations in October 1945, and French troops finally left Syria on 17 April 1946. This day is remembered in Syria as Evacuation Day.

Independent First Syrian Republic (1946–1950)

After French troops left in April 1946, Syria became fully independent. The country used the 1930 constitution, which was changed over time.

In 1947, Syria joined the International Monetary Fund and set a fixed rate for its money, the Syrian pound, against the U.S. dollar.

Syria faced many challenges after independence. In 1948, it fought alongside other Arab countries against the new State of Israel. The war went poorly for Syria, leading to unrest and distrust of the government. This situation contributed to political instability.

In March 1949, a military officer named Husni al-Za'im took control of the government in a coup. His rule was short, and he was soon replaced by another officer, Sami al-Hinnawi. Later that year, Adib Shishakli took power in another coup. These events showed how hard it was for Syria to build a stable government.

In September 1950, Syria adopted a new constitution, beginning what is called the Second Syrian Republic. This constitution gave more freedoms to citizens and stronger powers to the parliament, though the country continued to face political trouble.