Imperialism in the Middle East

Background

At its peak, the Ottoman Empire covered all of this land!

As it declined in power, Europeans began to compete for these areas.

Reasons for Ottoman Decline

Weak leaders (sultans)

Corruption in government that led to financial problems

Inflation

Geopolitics

Geopolitics: an interest in or taking of land due to its strategic location or products.Why would the

Ottoman Empire be considered strategic?

Russia wants to claim the Ottoman Empire

In 1853, the Russians launched a war on the Ottomans to gain control of the Black Sea. It is called the Crimean War.

Crimean War

Britain & France joined the Ottomans and defeated the Russians.

1st war where women established the position of army nurses.

Despite the help from the British & French, the Ottomans continued to loose land after the war.

“The Great Game”

In the 19th Century, Britain & Russia were competing for Muslim lands. This was called The Great Game.Afghanistan

was the center of this struggle.

After decades of fighting, Britain left Afghanistan in 1881.

“The Great Game”