Imperialism

Main Idea: After the death of Suleiman I, European nations divide the Ottoman Empire. A combined British-French-Ottoman force defeats Russians in the Crimean War, and the British seize the Suez Canal.

III. Ottoman Empire Loses Power

A. Background

1. Peak: Hungary-Greece-around Black Sea-Syria-Morocco

2. Decline: Suleiman I dies, 1566;

a succession of weak sultans

b corruption and theft

c devalue of coinage

d unemployed ex-soldiers and students

3. Selim III: 1789, reforms give rise to nationalist feelings

a Overthrown, reforms abandoned

4. European powers use opportunity

B. Europeans Grab Territory

1. Geopolitics: interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products

a Ottomans controlled access to Mediterranean & Atlantic sea trade

2. Crimean War: 1853, Russia vs. Ottomans, French & British

a Russia wanted land on the Black Sea--defeated

b Florence Nightingale-established women as army nurses

c Proved Ottoman's military weakness--lost lands

3. Egypt: Muhammad Ali, 1841, reforms in military and economy; switch to cash crops

a Isma'il: Suez Canal, 1869, French money & Egyptian labor

b European debts: British gain financial control of Canal, 1882

4. Persia: attempts modernization, Russia & Britain take control

a Russia-access to Persian Gulf & Indian Ocean

b Britain-use Afghanistan as buffer between India & Russia

c 1908: oil discovered; Persian leaders granted business concessions to raise money & gain economic prestige

C. Impact

1. European imperialist use economic imperialism & spheres of influence to gain control