THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
The Ottoman Empire was nicknamed the "sick man of Europe". It had reached its peak in 1685 and has been in decline since (Peaple 12). The power of the Sultan was undermined in many places. The regime was also corrupt and highly ineffective (The Causes of World War I 12). The empire was being exploited by European powers for commercial interest. The country had accumulated debt over the years in addition to growing public discontent which added to the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, a group of people called the Young Turks overthrew the government. The Young Turks looked to modernize Turkey, both economically and politically (The Causes of World War I 12).
The Eastern Question- What should be done in the Balkans about the decay of Turkish power in Europe (Darby 23)?
The decline in the power of the Ottoman Empire was on course to creating a power vacuum in its former territories. The Great Powers of Europe would fight to gain power of these lands. Russians wanted to promote self-government for the Balkan states but Austria-Hungary did not want for the Slavs to have power in the Balkans (The Causes of World War I 13)
The Eastern Question- What should be done in the Balkans about the decay of Turkish power in Europe (Darby 23)?
The decline in the power of the Ottoman Empire was on course to creating a power vacuum in its former territories. The Great Powers of Europe would fight to gain power of these lands. Russians wanted to promote self-government for the Balkan states but Austria-Hungary did not want for the Slavs to have power in the Balkans (The Causes of World War I 13)
Political
The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 overthrew the old government and created a new liberal, reform based government. It became a constitutional monarchy. The government was controlled by a Sultan (Mehmed V), Grand Vizier, and the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP). Three individuals that had a large amount of power were Mehmed Talat Bey (veteran of underground work), Major-General Ahmed Cemal Pasha (Minister of Navy), and Enver Bay (Minister of War) (Trumpener 341). The Central Committee of the CUP was the principle policy-making body. The government was very skilled at using the press to generate public support to policies. The government was also torn between joining the war and not joining the war.
Social
The Ottoman Empire was originally a Muslim empire. As it expanded and acquired land, it became a much more diverse area. There were three religious groups: the Turkish Muslims, Christians of the Western Church, and Christians of the Eastern Orthodox Church (Peaple 13). There were also ethnic differences between the Slavs of the Balkans and the Turks. It was difficult to maintain stability with these many different groups of people.
Nationalism also swept through the people of the Ottoman Empire. An increasing amount of people were demanding to be sovereign and staged many revolts. These revolts led to the loss of land and people for the Ottoman Empire. This further weakened the Ottoman Empire.
Nationalism also swept through the people of the Ottoman Empire. An increasing amount of people were demanding to be sovereign and staged many revolts. These revolts led to the loss of land and people for the Ottoman Empire. This further weakened the Ottoman Empire.
Economic
The Ottoman empire had a weak economy. It was suffering from an excessive amounts of debt to foreign bondholders. The empire also had problems with transportation, public utilities, and other sectors of the economy. These sectors were owned mostly by foreigners. The Ottoman Empire was also not allowed to revoke the "capitulations" which were a set of commercial treaties from the sixteenth century that allowed foreigners certain privileges. In addition to relying on foreigners, the empire had lost a lot of land in the Balkan area. This loss exemplified the weakness of the economy.
Military
The Ottoman military was also weak. Efforts to modernize the military were in vain. The European powers that surrounded the Balkans were significantly stronger than the Turks. The Ottoman Empire relied on the military to protect its territories, but they would be defeated many times as Turkey was pushed out of the Balkans and struggled to survive the tides of imperialism and nationalism.
The Dismemberment of Turkey
A political cartoon depicting how each nation only worried about their personal interests after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in WW1. England, Russia, France, and Austria-Hungary all wanted a piece of the "turkey" when the Ottoman Empire was dissolved. In World War I, the Ottoman Empire was a hapless victim. They had no chance of winning the war or coming out successful with their limited military power and internal conflicts.