CHAPTER 27The Age of Imperialism

SECTION 3 Muslim Lands Fall to Imperialist Demands

BIG IDEA

•European nations expanded their empires by seizing territories from Muslim states.

Ottoman Empire Loses Power•For 300 years, the Ottoman Empire was in decay, losing vast amounts of territory

Ottoman Reforms Fail• In order to stop losing territory to other European powers, or granting countries independence, like Greece, the Ottomans tried to reform the following:

•Weak leadership, political party infighting, devalued currency, unemployment of soldiers and students, and support of the Ottoman government

European countries swoop in•Geopolitics- An interest in or taking of land for its strategic location or products

•Geopolitics is an important aspect of why countries looked to take other territory around the world during this era• For example: The Ottoman Empire had lands that were great for farming and, of course, oil after it was discovered there in 1900.

European countries swoop in•Crimean War- The Russians decide to fight the Ottomans in 1853 over lands around the Black Sea for port-cities

•France and Great Britain did not want the Russians to win and gain more territory

• The combined forces of GB, France and the Ottomans defeat the Russians

After the Crimean War•The Crimean War showed the world that the Ottomans were weak since they needed help

•Thus, more territory left their empire: The Balkins, Romania, Cyprus, and Bulgaria

•As European territories left, Muslim leaders in Ottoman territory planned ahead for independence as well

Egypt

• Egypt owed its modernization to the French Revolution led by Muhammad Ali (NOT HIM)

• In 1841, he broke away from Ottoman control and won battles gaining Syria and Arabia

Suez Canal

• When Muhammad dies, his son Isma’il takes over and builds the Suez Canal

Suez Canal

• The issue with building this necessary canal was that this put Egypt in $450 Million in debt

• The British use this debt to come in and take the Suez Canal and thus the rest of the country in 1882

Suez Canal

• The Suez Canal became the “Lifeline of the British Empire” because it gave the quicker access to Africa and Asia

Persia Pressured to Change

• Russia and Britain also wanted Persia (Modern Day Iran) as a Sphere of Influence

• Russia gained territory twice fighting in 1813 and 1828, Britain wanted Afghanistan as a buffer

Britain Gains Afghanistan and more…

• Afghanistan was won by the British in 1857, but they wanted more Persian land when oil was found in Persia 1908

• Persian students rejected European influence, but these revolts were put down by the British and Russians who then split Persia into Spheres of In.