The effects of World War II reached countries around the world, from Europe to Africa and from the Pacific to the Middle East. Although European imperialism was largely over by the end of World War I, the governments of some newly established quasi-independent countries, such as Iraq, were still under the influence of European nations. In the spring of 1941, due to the growing rise of Arab nationalism, ever-present resentment towards British influence in the region, and the distraction of war, Iraqi nationalists attempted to take advantage of the situation and remove the ruling British-backed monarchy. This brief conflict would become known as the Anglo-Iraqi War of 1941 and would leave a lasting impact on Iraq's development for much of the second half of the 20th century. British influence in the Middle East emerged during the 18th century as Britain expanded its empire across the world securing lands, resources and wealth. The Middle East, anciently called Mesopotamia, developed into a vital midpoint connecting land routes between the East and the Mediterranean coasts, which then connected to the European continent. As Britain's dominance in the Far East grew, the expanding empire fought to gain control of Middle Eastern territory by linking its possessions in the East and West. Britain maintained colonial influence for nearly two centuries in most of the territories now included in the modern borders of Jordan, Iraq, Israel and parts of Saudi Arabia. After World War I and the breakup of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations divided the lands of the Middle East and Britain was given control of the lands in what ... middle of paper ... pub. HMSO 1956]. Butler, J.R.M. ed. The Mediterranean and the Middle East, Volume II The Germans Come to the Aid of Their Ally (1941). History of the Second World War, UK Military Series. Naval and Military Press. Mackenzie, Compton. Eastern Epic: volume 1 September 1939-March 1943 Defence. London: Chatto & Windus.Young, Peter (1972). The Arab Legion. Men of arms. Osprey Publishing.Wavell, Archibald (1946). Dispatch on operations in the Middle East from 7 February 1941 to 15 July 1941. London: War Office. In the Gazette Wavell of London, Archibald (1946). Dispatch on operations in Iraq, eastern Syria and Iran from 10 April 1941 to 12 January 1942. London: War Office. In the London GazetteWilson, Maitland (1946). Dispatch on the command of Persia and Iraq relating to the period from 21 August 1942 to 17 February 1943. London: War Office. In the London Gazette