Initially, Lebanon and Syria had been one political entity, under the Ottoman Empire. However, after World War I, France was given the League of Nations mandate over Lebanon as well as Syria. France was responsible for dividing them into two areas. For 20 whole years, Lebanon was under their rule. However, they proclaimed independence on 26 November 1941. All the French troops were completely evacuated from the country only in 1946. In 1958, Civil War took place, as a protest against the Lebanese government. Troops were later sent over to restore the authority of the Government.