What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference? Bell Ringer What was the purpose of the Berlin Conference?

Europeans claim Muslim lands 11.3

Ottoman Empire loses Power Difficulties fitting into modern world Weak sultans – corrupt factions/theft = economic problems Weakness apparent to European powers Geopolitics: Interest in land b/c of access to sea trade and oil

Russia and the Crimean War 1853: War between Russians/Ottomans Russia pursuing land near Black Sea Britain/France – didn’t want Russia to get it – joined war Russia defeated - then helped Slavics rebel against Ottomans Ottomans lost Balkan peninsula

Egypt initiates reforms Egypt’s location at Red Sea = valuable Muhammad Ali gained control of Egypt Reformed military and economy (through cotton) Grandson, Isma’il, supported construction of Suez Canal Lifeline to oil fields Couldn’t afford construction costs 1882: Britain took control of Egypt

Persia Pressured to change Persian territory valuable and in high demand Twice gave up territories to Russia (1813 and 1828) 1857: Britain wanted Afghanistan Resisted but forced Couldn’t develop own resources Had to grant concessions to Western businesses Tension rose over concession to Britain for tobacco Riots broke out 1907: Russia/Britain took country Economic imperialism