Unit 4: Nationalism to Imperialism 5.13.16

Current Political Map of Turkey & Armenia

Decline of Empires By the 18th Century, all 3 were in decline. 3 Reasons: Land-owning nobles, military elites, and other powerful groups took power from central governments Widespread corruption Religious leaders stirred discontent against government

Western Imperialism Europeans won treaties heavily favoring European interests Many times won these through military threats Special rights granted to Europeans living in these areas European countries often intervened politically and/or militarily to protect these rights

Western Imperialism Ideas about nationalism spread from western Europe to Middle East Leads to revolts in the multi-ethnic Ottoman Empire Europeans take advantage France, Russia, Great Britain, and Germany all seize territory that once belonged to the Ottoman Empire

Western Imperialism Ottoman rulers try to reform Take ideas from Europeans Reorganize bureaucracy & tax system Built railroads Modernized military Sent young men west for education (brought home ideas about democracy & equality) Improved medical care Revitalized farming techniques

Western Imperialism Improvements caused negatives Young Turks Movement Population boom increased competition for jobs & food Western ideas about democracy & equality led young men to question rulers Young Turks Movement 1890s Liberal movement of reform to save the empire 1908, overthrow the sultan WWI interrupted efforts to reform

Armenian Genocide Ottoman empire had let minority groups live in own communities & practice own religions Nationalism movement called for separation between the different races Armenians protest repressive policies & reject nationalism Call for a reform on the Ottoman Empire rather than separation

Armenian Genocide Increased tension between Turkish nationalists and Armenians Armenians were the minority -> increased discrimination & violence against them occurred. Over the next 25 years, between 600,000 and 1.5 million Armenians were killed or died from disease & starvation

Unit 4: Nationalism to Imperialism 5.16.16

Goals What happened to the Armenians at the turn of the century? What evidence do we have of the crimes against the Armenians?

Step 1: Reading 5 different readings Take notes on the following topics: Ottoman Empire Life for Armenians Armenian Action Response to Armenians at home International Response Side note: Not all topics will apply to every reading

Step 2: Share Out As a group, share out the information you read about Everyone should be taking notes

Step 3: Discussion What options did Armenians have in their quest for equal rights? What strategies did they use? Why do you think they weren't successful in bringing about meaningful change? Who is responsible for protecting minorities when they are mistreated? During the late 19th century, many countries thought that the best protection for minority groups was to gain their independence. What do you think? Should all minority groups live within their own nation? Why do you think most Armenians rejected that strategy?