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

2. Europeans claim Muslim lands
11.3

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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