Ottoman Empire in Decline Unit 6 Day 1

Brief History of the Ottomans Ottomans were a small Muslim tribe who migrated from Persia (modern Iraq) to Anatolia (modern Turkey) in the thirteenth century. In early fourteenth century Ottomans take advantage of the breakdown of the powerful Seljuk Empire to rise to power in the region. Ottomans gradually gain ground over the next hundred years, breaking into Europe in 1453 when they conquer the ancient capital of the Byzantine empire at Constantinople. By 1700 Ottomans rule an empire that stretches around the Mediterranean up to the boarders of the Austrian Empire

The Ottoman Empire Ottoman Empire, 1300-1700

The Decline of the Ottoman Empire, 1807-1924

Ottoman Government Sultan Absolute political and religious rulers In the 17th century, envied by absolute kings in Europe like Louis XIV Janissary corps Unlike absolute rulers in Europe who built on existing feudal system, sultans were supported by janissary corps Composed of slave servants who comprised both the military and bureaucratic hierarchy Over time becomes privileged and resistant to change

Beginnings of Decline Question: What pressures facing the Ottoman Empire in the early nineteenth century resulted in decline? Military Advances European countries reorganize armies along modern lines Industrial Revolution Industrial advancement develops in England and spreads slowly southward Liberalism Ideas about liberal government begin to undermine absolute authority of Sultans

End of the Janissary Corps Military disorganization allows decentralization of empire, growing power of local governors (Egypt) In early 1800s Janissary corps opposed modernization of army Mahmud II (r. 1809-1389) plans to destroy janissaries by building up loyal artillery 1826 provokes revolt of janissary corps by requiring them to train like Europeans

Liberalism in the Ottoman Empire Tanzimat (regulations) Period of liberal reform from 1839-1876 Sponsored by British “advisers” and liberal Ottoman statesman Goals Creation of constitution and parliament Legal Equality of Muslims, Christians, and Jews Modernized bureaucracy and military Relaxation of tariffs on foreign goods Reduction of slavery Goes hand in hand with cultural “westernization”

Problems with the Tanzimat Question: What factors prevented the Tanzimat from reversing the period of Ottoman decline? Lack of well-trained trustworthy officials Growing nationalism in the Balkans Economic hegemony of European Banks Hegemony – indirect dominance of one nation over others 1875 Ottoman state declares bankruptcy, European banks take over finances Failure to resolve religious tension Particularly among conservative Muslims Feel liberalism departs from Islamic tradition Tanzimat reforms ended in 1876 under conservative Sultan Abdulhamid (r. 1876-1909)

Rise and Fall of Egypt Muhammad Ali (r. 1805-1848) Served as Wali (governor) of Egypt under Ottoman Empire Ushers in economic and military modernization of Egypt Builds a powerful, modernized army Mostly slaves from the Sudan and Egyptian peasants Trained and equipped by French military advisers Develops export economy aimed at European Markets After 1821 high-quality cotton

Rise and Fall of Egypt Muhammad Ali’s Conquest of Syria 1831- moves army into Syria, prepares to depose Sultan Efforts halted by combined efforts of Britain, Russia, Austria 1839 – Ottoman forces decimated trying to drive Ali’s armies from Syria Britain convinces France to end support, forces Muhammad Ali to return Syria to Ottoman Empire Britain a constant presence in Ottoman Empire from this point on

Rise and Fall of Egypt Ismail Pasha - the Magnificent (r.1863-1879) Grandson of Muhammad Ali Rules Egypt as khedive (prince) Continues the Modernization of Egypt Expands Egyptian cotton production after 1863 Rebuilds city of Cairo into modern capital Begins work on Suez Canal

The Suez Canal (opened 1869) Rise and Fall of Egypt The Suez Canal (opened 1869) Built as a result of collaboration between Egypt and France – French Engineers design and oversee construction by Egyptian peasants When opened in 1869 shortens distance of sea voyage to India by 5,100 miles Initially opposed by British, but quickly recognized as invaluable to their colonial interests in India

The Rise and Fall of Egypt Ismail Pasha and Suez Canal is both Ismail Pasha’s greatest legacy and downfall Massive Egyptian debt ($450 million) bought by British and French Governments Ismail forced to accept European Finance Ministers 1882 Nationalistic civil war in Egypt put down by British expeditionary force From 1883-1922 Egypt directly administered by British consuls British army maintains presence in Egypt until 1956 to protect the Suez Canal Evelyn Baring – British Consul to Egypt (1883-1907)

The Ottoman Decline - Aftermath By 1882 British advisers maintain hegemonic influence in Turkey British directly administer Egypt