Nationalism: The Rise Of The Ottoman Empire

A. The Ottomans: From Frontier Warriors to Empire Builders 1. Mongols defeated the Seljuks during themed 13th century a. Ottomans became the dominant empire 2. Invaded the Balkans in the 14th and 15th centuries 3. In 1453, Ottomans attacked the Byzantine Empire and took control of Constantinople 4. They expanded rule over Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Southeast Europe 5. Failed

Nationalism was formed with the idea that a nation is made up of people who are joined together by common language, customs, cultures and history. It held the belief that one should be loyal to the people of their nation, not a king or empire. Nationalists believed that people of a single nationality should unite under a single government. The concept of Nationalism emerged in the French Revolution and was spread to the rest of Europe by Napoleon’s conquests.

Nationalism can be traced to the nineteenth century, European peoples came to identify strongly with communities they called nations. Members of a nation considered themselves a distinctive people that spoke a common language, observed common customs, inherited common cultural conditions, held common values, and shared common

The Ottoman empire; one of the greatest empires in history. The Empire, at its height, ruled most of the land around the Mediterranean. It contributed much to culture, science, religion, war, politics, and the world. Its monumental fall will be known throughout history. How can the swift decline of the Ottoman power be explained? Perhaps the best way to understand how important this event was, there needs to be a brief explanation of the history behind this epic collapse; showing the rise before the fall and the drastic change.

The concept of nationalism is in essence an odd organization that has had significant impacts in world history through shaping the political and social aspects of the society. As an important aspect in the development of the society, the concept of nationalism has basically been analyzed based on its impact on the emergence of nation-states across the globe. In most cases, these analyses have been conducted to determine the influence of nationalism on imperial breakdown i.e. the dissolution of empires. While the actual extent of the impact of nationalism on the imperial breakdown is uncertain, this concept has played a major role in the dissolution of empires. Generally, the transition to nationalism has contributed to significant effects in world history through shaping the political and social aspects of the society.

As I struggle up this unstable wooden ladder I cannot help but feel a sense of pride in the empire I am defending. In years past, we Turks have slowly been acquiring large amounts of land for the Ottoman Empire and finally conquering Constantinople will validate the triumphs we have earned throughout the west. As a Janissary of the great Ottoman Empire it is my duty to wield my shield and sword to expand this empire that I serve. The crack of guns echoes through the battle and arrows whiz past my armored head. Bodies tumble over the sturdy fortress that encircles Constantinople as I continue scaling the ladder. Nonetheless, I focus on my mission: entering the city walls. Hopefully, the sultan will give us soldiers a chance to loot the Byzantines

Nationalism is defined as a nation’s, or ethnicities, desire to become an independent autonomous state. The Greek, Albanian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Macedonian nations’ nationalistic centrifugal force started the break up of the Empire in mid 19th century. All of the nations listed above became states by the time World War One began in 1914. This nationalistic movement happen under many Sultans, but it intensified under Abdülhamid II and finally under Murad V. It was Abdülhamid II who tried to curve the nationalistic movements, which were also sweeping through Europe, by introducing the Tanzimat Reforms of 1834 and 1856, at the request of European pressure.

The French Revolution directly affected the nineteenth century through the creation of many ideologies, one important one being nationalism. Nationalism is a very controversial ideology because of the many diverse approaches towards its true definition. A broad definition of nationalism could be perceived as a strong devotion towards the culture and identity of a nation. As well as the idea that nations will benefit more from acting as an independent nation opposed to multiple states working together as a collective. Its emergence completely changed the political map of Europe and resulted in the birth of many new nations. There are many different views towards the true reason for the emergence of Nationalism in Europe. Many historians believe the emergence can be credited to the French Revolution and later the continuation of ideas under Napoleon Bonaparte. While others believe the Industrial Revolution held more importance for the widespread arrival of nationalism. It seems better to encompass both and argue that the emergence of nationalism in Europe was caused by the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule, and the Industrial Revolution.

Nationalism became like a religion in Europe and the United States because people began to almost worship their country; not literally worship but the belief in the country and its well being became more important to the people. Many people did not want to be under the traditional monarchy like before; the people who wanted change was larger than that of the people who wanted a monarchy so nationalism came through in many places. Italy is an example of great nationalism because they went from being little nothing states to a big unified nation through the beliefs of Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Cavour; who wanted nationalism and unification achieved. The United States also showed great nationalism in the revolution to become its own nation and

Nationalism helped to break up the old empire of the czars in Russia. The Romanov dynasty was determined to maintain control. They made a policy of Russification, causing all of the ethnic groups to join a Russian culture.

technological contributions, and European style features. The prominent western view throughout history is that the Ottomans were savage conquerors unlike the established monarchies of Europe. The more accurate view is that Europe and the Ottoman Empire shared both various characteristics that were very similar and some which were starkly different. The spiritual justification which was present on both sides had similar origins and doctrines which lead to a hostile distinction between Christianity and Islam. As Goffman states "Just as siblings often fight with appalling brutality, the very resemblance and historical proximity of the two faiths created a bitter rivalry" (8).

The rise of the Ottoman Empire started in Turkey and spread through most of the Middle East. Their military practice and successful transition to the use of gun powder made them one of the most successful ruling bodies in the Middle East. The Ottoman Empire which ruled until modern times had great influence on the Middle Eastern world. Their political and economic abilities astonished the western world. Their religious views and fears were instilled into any non-Muslim and helped the western world to find new trade. The rise of Christianity in the western world provided new ways to preserve the dead and ended the need for frankensence, the main export of the Ottoman Empire. This

The Ottoman Turks emerged on the periphery of the Byzantine Empire and the Saljuk Turks. Under a Turkish Muslim warrior named Osman, raids were conducted in western Anatolia on Byzantine settlements and a vast number of Turks were united under his banner. Those Turks who flocked to Osman's banner and followed him into the history books came to be called the Ottomans. The word Ottoman, fits these Turks well as it roughly translates from Turkish as "those associated with Oman."

At its peak, the Ottoman Empire spread across 3 continents and was known as the most powerful empire in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the beginning, the Ottomans were descendants of the Seljuk Turks, the great empire in Asia. The Ottomans were military minded and raided surrounding areas. Of these raiders, or Gazis, Osman I was the most important. Sultan Osman Gazi I was an expert at invading and conquering. Soon, Osman and his followers, Ottomans, created a small state in Anatolia. They bought and conquered land and expanded their small state into an empire. Also, their military was the first to use gunpowder and cannons as an offense and thus were considered the greatest military at the time. With all of this, their Empire successfully survived from one family line of Sultans for seven centuries. Because of their strength and superiority, the Ottomans were considered one of the most successful Empires in history.