top of page

The Ottoman Empire Between 1750 and 1900 for AP World History

Dec 9, 2023

6 min read

0

6

0

By 1750, the Ottoman Empire was already in decline. Without the help of Britain and France, the Russian Empire would have most likely taken over all Ottoman territory before 1900. Read the Google Slides to learn more about the Ottoman Empire between 1750 and 1900 for AP World History.




A Brief History of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire, emerging in the late 13th century under the leadership of Osman I, began as a small Anatolian state. The pivotal moment in its early history came with the capture of Constantinople in 1453 by Mehmed II, signaling the end of the Byzantine Empire and establishing the Ottomans as a major power. Throughout the 16th century, under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the empire reached its zenith in terms of territorial expansion and cultural achievement. Military successes included the annexation of Hungary after the Battle of Mohács in 1526. The Ottoman political structure was highly centralized, with the sultan holding both political and religious authority. The empire was characterized by a degree of religious tolerance, allowing non-Muslims to practice their faith but subject to a special tax.


However, by the 17th century, the Ottoman Empire entered a period of gradual decline. Military defeats, economic challenges, and internal strife contributed to its waning power. The Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699 marked a significant setback, resulting in territorial losses in Europe. Despite earlier cultural and artistic achievements, the empire faced increasing pressure from European powers. By 1750, the Ottomans were in a state of decline, setting the stage for further territorial losses, internal reforms, and eventual dissolution in the aftermath of World War I.


The Ottomans and the Russians

The Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire found themselves in proximity, sharing borders in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus. Their interactions were often shaped by territorial disputes, cultural differences, and the broader power dynamics of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.


One significant point of contention was the struggle for influence over the Black Sea and its surrounding territories. Both empires sought to expand their borders and control key trade routes in the region. The series of Russo-Turkish Wars, spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries, reflected this geopolitical competition and resulted in shifting territorial boundaries. The Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca in 1774 and the Treaty of Jassy in 1792 are notable examples where Russia gained territories at the expense of the Ottoman Empire.


Religious differences also played a role in shaping Ottoman-Russian relations. The Ottoman Empire, with its Islamic heritage, stood in contrast to the Orthodox Christian identity of Russia. This religious divergence sometimes fueled conflicts, and both empires positioned themselves as protectors of their respective religious communities within each other’s territories.


The 19th century witnessed the gradual decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of Russian influence in the Balkans. The Crimean War (1853-1856) marked a notable confrontation between the Ottoman Empire and Russia, with the involvement of other European powers. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which affirmed the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire but also hinted at the declining Ottoman influence.


The Caucasus

The Caucasus is a region situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Black Sea to the west, the Caspian Sea to the east, and the mountains of the Caucasus Range that run between the two seas. It is a geographically diverse area, featuring a complex mix of mountainous terrain, high plateaus, and fertile lowlands.


The Caucasus is known for its diversity, with numerous distinct groups and languages coexisting in the region. Major ethnic groups include Georgians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Circassians, and Chechens.

Key Countries in the Caucasus Region Georgia: Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Georgia has a rich history and culture. Tbilisi is the capital and largest city.


Armenia: Landlocked between Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, Armenia is known for its ancient history and cultural heritage. Yerevan is the capital.


Azerbaijan: Located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, plains, and the Caspian Sea coast. Baku is the capital.


The Balkans

The term “Balkans” itself is believed to have originated from the Turkish word “balkan,” which means “a chain of wooded mountains” or “mountain range.” This reflects the region’s prominent physical feature—a rugged and mountainous terrain that has significantly influenced its history and development. The Balkan Peninsula encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, including mountain ranges, fertile plains, and coastal areas.


Throughout history, the Balkans has been a meeting point of various civilizations and cultures due to its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The mountains not only shaped the physical landscape but also acted as natural barriers that influenced migration patterns, trade routes, and political boundaries. This geographic significance, coupled with the diversity of cultures and the historical ebb and flow of different empires, has made the Balkans a complex and dynamic region.


The term “Balkans” is commonly used to refer to the countries of Southeastern Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The region’s history, characterized by a blend of cultural, religious, and linguistic influences, reflects the intricate interplay of geopolitical forces that have shaped the Balkans over the centuries.


The Crimean War

The Crimean War (1853-1856) was a significant conflict involving Russia on one side and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and France on the other. The war was sparked by a series of disputes over religious rights and access to holy sites in the Holy Land, as well as Russia’s expansionist ambitions in the Black Sea region. One key factor motivating Britain and France to come to the aid of the Ottoman Empire was their concern over maintaining a balance of power in the region.


The Ottoman Empire, commonly referred to as the “Sick Man of Europe” due to its declining power, was perceived as a buffer preventing Russian expansion into the strategically vital territories of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Both Britain and France were wary of Russian attempts to gain control of the Ottoman-controlled straits, such as the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which would provide Russia with unfettered access to the Mediterranean. This was seen as a threat to the established balance of power in Europe and the Middle East.


Furthermore, religious and cultural ties also played a role in the decision of Britain and France to support the Ottoman Empire. The predominantly Muslim Ottoman Empire was seen as a traditional ally against the Orthodox Christian Russians. The prospect of Russian dominance in the region raised concerns about the fate of Christian minorities within the Ottoman Empire and the potential disruption of the delicate balance between the major European powers.


The Crimean War witnessed major battles, most famously the Siege of Sevastopol, and involved the first large-scale use of modern technologies such as railways and telegraphs. The conflict ultimately ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1856, which confirmed the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire and sought to establish a new balance of power in the region. The war highlighted the changing dynamics of European politics, the decline of traditional empires, and the emergence of new power structures that would shape the course of 19th-century geopolitics.


Crimea

Located on the northern coast of the Black Sea, Crimea served as a crucial crossroads connecting Europe and Asia. The Ottoman Empire controlled Crimea until the late 18th century when Russia annexed the peninsula in 1783. The acquisition of Crimea provided Russia with access to warm-water ports in the Black Sea, enabling the expansion of its naval capabilities and facilitating trade routes.


The Crimean War (1853-1856), involving Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, and France, underscored the geopolitical importance of Crimea. The conflict centered on the struggle for control over the Black Sea and access to the Ottoman-controlled straits. A strait is a narrow, natural channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water. The war ended with the Treaty of Paris, which sought to maintain the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire while limiting Russian influence in the region.


In the latter half of the 19th century, Crimea continued to be a theater of geopolitical maneuvering. The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the development of strategic infrastructure in the region enhanced Russia’s military capabilities. Simultaneously, Crimea became a popular resort destination for Russian aristocracy, contributing to its dual role as a military stronghold and a cultural center.


Comparison in Land-Based Empires

Unit 3: Land-Based Empires

AP World History


The Ottoman Empire from 1750 to 1900 for AP World History

#APWorldHistory #theottomanempire

Dec 9, 2023

6 min read

0

6

0

Comments

Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
bottom of page