Europeans Claim Muslim Lands Chapter 11 Section 3

Main Idea European nations expanded their nations by seizing territories from Muslim states. Political events in this vital resource area are still influenced by actions from the imperialistic period.

Introduction Europeans began to look at other places to control besides Africa. They focused on what was left of the Ottoman Empire. Land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Ottoman Empire Loses Power The declining Ottoman Empire had difficulties trying to fit into the modern world. In an effort to resist European imperialist powers, they made attempts to change. These efforts failed. Europeans began to look for ways to take the Ottoman’s lands.

Europeans Grab Territory Geopolitics – an interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products. Geopolitics played a huge role in the desire for the Ottoman Empire. World powers were attracted to its strategic location. Access to Mediterranean Sea Asian countries had to cross their land to get to the Mediterranean Discovery of oil (after WWI) in Persia and the Arabian Peninsula

Russia and the Crimean War In an attempt to gain land on the Black Sea, Russian czars continuously started wars with the Ottomans. 1853 – Crimean War began. Russians v. Ottomans Britain and France help the Ottomans to prevent further Russian advancement. Russia lost. First war to be published in newspapers. First war where women established positions as army nurses. Ex. Florence Nightingale Despite the help of the British and French the Ottoman Empire continued to decline.

Egypt Initiates Reforms Based on the Ottoman Empire’s decline, some Muslim leaders felt they had no choice but to adjust to the modern world. Egypt initiated political and social reforms, partially to block European domination.

Military and Economic Reforms Egypt’s location at the head of the Red Sea appeared valuable to both France and Britain. Muhammad Ali led Egypt and initiated many reforms for their military and economy. Pushed Egyptians to grow a cash crop – cotton Peasants lost substantial land needed to grow their food crops.

The Suez Canal The Suez Canal was a human- made waterway that connected the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. The Suez Canal was very expensive (450 million) to build and got Egypt into great debt. Egypt could not even pay the interest on the debt. British occupied Egypt in 1882.

Muslim Lands In the Muslim lands, many European imperialists gained control by using economic imperialism and creating spheres of influence. Although some governments attempted to modernize their nations, it was usually too little too late. In other areas of the globe, imperialists provided the modernization.