Muslim Regions
Muslim lands extended from western Africa to Southeast Asia. Three giant Muslim Empires ruled much of this world. 1. The Ottomans-the Middle East 2. The Safavids-Persia 3. Mughals-India All three empires were in decline by the 1700s.
Why? Central govts lost control over powerful groups Corruption Some religious leaders help stir discontent with the government. In 1700s and 1800s, reform movements sprang up stressing religious piety and strict rules of behavior.
In addition, Muslim empires faced powerful threats from western imperialists. Through diplomacy and military threats, Europeans won treaties and trade agreements.
I. Ottoman Empire –A. Internal revolts weakened empire. 1. Ottomans suppressed uprisings 2. Egypt slipped from their control. –B. European pressure 1. France seized Algeria & wanted more 2. Russia wanted control of Dardenelles and Bosporus straits
–C. Westernization 1. Looked to west for new ideas 2. Improved government 3. Improved education 4. Hired Europeans to train military 5. Reforms brought increased tension
D. Armenian Genocide –1. Nationalism sparked new tensions –A. Turkish nationalists and minorities wanted their own states. –B. Tensions triggered brutal genocide of Armenians –C. Muslim Turks accused them of helping Russia plot against Ottoman Empire s slaughtered when they protested 2. Over next 25 years over 1 million killed or died of starvation and disease.
–D. Egypt 1. Muhammad Ali –”father of modern Egypt”. –A. Introduced political and economic reforms –B. Built well-trained modern army with help from west –C. Set Egypt on path of major Middle East power
–E. Suez Canal 1. Waterway that connects Mediterranean and Red seas –A. Greatly reduced travel time for ships. 2. Egypt unable to repay Britain loans for canal 3. British gained controlling interest in canal – Britain made Egypt a protectorate
F. Persia –1. The Qajar rulers introduced reforms –2. Britain and Russia plotted for control of oil fields. –3. Became sphere of influence –4. Persian nationalists were outraged