Question

In the 1920s, Western powers began to expand their influence in the Middle East primarily due to __________.
A.
the discovery of oil in the region
B.
the rising number of terrorist attacks against the West
C.
European desires to create a Jewish homeland
D.
rising fundamentalist movements in Iran and Saudi Arabia

Answer 1

A. the discovery of oil in the region

Oil discoveries and the strategic need for fuel after World War I were major reasons Western powers (especially Britain and France) extended political and economic control in the Middle East during the 1920s.