1. Chapter 27
The Age of Imperialism

2. Muslim Lands Fall to Imperialist Demands
Section 3
Muslim Lands Fall to Imperialist Demands

3. BIG IDEA
European nations expanded their empires by seizing territories from Muslim states.

4. Ottoman Empire Loses Power
For 300 years, the Ottoman Empire was in decay, losing vast amounts of territory

5. Ottoman Reforms Fail
In order to stop losing territory to other European powers, or granting countries independence, like Greece, the Ottomans tried to reform the following:
Weak leadership, political party infighting, devalued currency, unemployment of soldiers and students, and support of the Ottoman government

6. European countries swoop in
Geopolitics- An interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products
Geopolitics is an important aspect of why countries looked to take other territory around the world during this era
For example: The Ottoman Empire had lands that were great for farming and, of course, oil after it was discovered there in 1900.

7. European countries swoop in
Crimean War- The Russians decide to fight the Ottomans in 1853 over lands around the Black Sea for port-cities
France and Great Britain did not want the Russians to win and gain more territory
The combined forces of GB, France and the Ottomans defeat the Russians

8. After the Crimean War
The Crimean War showed the world that the Ottomans were weak since they needed help
Thus, more territory left their empire: The Balkins, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria
As European territories left, Muslim leaders in Ottoman territory planned ahead for independence as well

9. Egypt
Egypt owed its modernization to the French Revolution led by Muhammad Ali (NOT HIM)
In 1841, he broke away from Ottoman control and won battles gaining Syria and Arabia

10. Suez Canal
When Muhammad dies, his son Isma’il takes over and builds the Suez Canal

11. Suez Canal
The issue with building this necessary canal was that this put Egypt in $450 Million in debt
The British use this debt to come in and take the Suez Canal and thus the rest of the country in 1882

12. Suez Canal
The Suez Canal became the “Lifeline of the British Empire” because it gave the quicker access to Africa and Asia

13. Persia Pressured to Change
Russia and Britain also wanted Persia (Modern Day Iran) as a Sphere of Influence
Russia gained territory twice fighting in 1813 and 1828, Britain wanted Afghanistan as a buffer

14. Britain Gains Afghanistan and more…
Afghanistan was won by the British in 1857, but they wanted more Persian land when oil was found in Persia 1908
Persian students rejected European influence, but these revolts were put down by the British and Russians who then split Persia into Spheres of In.