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. 1 st 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 19 th 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 “The Great Game”