1. Europeans Claim Muslim Lands
How do Europeans try to expand their empires into Muslim lands?

2. Decline of Ottoman Empire
Death of Suleyman I and failed reforms leads to decline in Ottoman Empire
Crimean War reveals weaknesses in Ottoman military
Ottomans allow parts of Empire to break away
Europeans (esp Britain & Russia) want former Ottoman land for geopolitical reasons

3. Persia
Russia had gained influence in Persian territory, however Britain was looking to gain influence
Persian rulers favored Britain, allowed Br. tobacco to be sold
Many upset at western influence, Jamal al-Afghani leads a boycott of British tobacco
Boycott worked, but weak leadership & lack of capital allowed Russia & Britain to gain more influence over country

4. Afghanistan
Russia gaining influence in Central Asia
British want Afghanistan as buffer between India & Russia
British invade Afghanistan first war fought , British win & gain some land
British fight second war , Afghans give more territory to British – Russia & Afghanistan sign non-aggression pact

5. Suez Canal
New Egyptian leader Isma’il creating big debts modernizing Egypt, incl a canal connecting the Mediterranean & Red Sea
Egyptians turn to French to help build the canal
French & Egyptians borrow from British banks, can’t pay debt
British Government buys the debt & gains control of canal (1869), have sphere of influence in Egypt
British see the canal as the “lifeline of the empire”