Final answer:
Britain maintained influence over Iraq from the post-World War I mandate until the late 1940s. British interest was partly driven by oil resources, and despite growing Iraqi nationalism and a shifting political landscape, it wasn't until the withdrawal of British forces in 1961 that Iraq's pathway to a series of independent governments, including Saddam Hussein's regime, was established.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mandate over Mesopotamia, renamed Iraq, came under British control following World War I. This mandate faced increasing pressure from Iraqi nationalists throughout the 1920s and 1930s. King Faisal, initially promised rulership of Syria, instead became the ruler of Iraq under British influence. Although Britain controlled most of the government, the subsequent Iraqi king and nationalists expressed growing discontent with British presence.
During the late 1940s, the dynamics in Iraq began to shift, and the independence of Iraq was recognized by the United States in 1930. However, Britain's interest in Iraq was largely driven by the discovery and development of oil resources. The Anglo-Persian Oil Company, later known as BP, controlled oil production which magnified the importance of Middle Eastern territories in global politics. Following the withdrawal of British forces in 1961, Iraq emerged with a series of governments, eventually leading to the Baath party's rise to power and paving the way for Saddam Hussein's leadership starting in 1979.