The Middle East was governed by Sultanates, which were several Monarchies that expanded their rule throughout this region. However, this form suffered a series of changes that led to these territories being controlled by Western Powers after the events of the First World War. The interest in these territories was high, as rich oil fields were discovered. This prompted western powers to exercise powerful political and economic influence in order to secure the supply of oil.
Nevertheless, the Western intervention caused major disruption on the Status Quo of these countries, as traditional governing forms were suddenly replaced with pseudo-democracies installed by the Western Powers. This is the main reason for ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, as the majority of locals disregard that these "imported" political systems.
the railroad was completed on may 10, 1869