Declining Empires in the 19th Century Flashcards
(80 cards)
What were the weaknesses of the Ottoman Empire?
The sultans were weak due to an unclear line of succession, the janissaries prevented modernization, religious leaders had a lot of influence, it was too large and decentralized, and other European powers were interested in its territories.
What happened when the foreigners came into the Ottoman Empire?
The foreigners came in and allowed the Ottoman Empire to stay alive, but only because the outsiders sold their manufactured goods to the Ottomans, had tax exemptions, and were granted territoriality (cannot be arrested under Ottoman law).
Who were the reformers who attempted reform?
Selim III (1789-1807), Mahmud II (1807-1839), and the Tanzimat Reforms.
What did Selim III do?
He wanted to modernize the military but failed and was assassinated by the janissaries.
What did Mahmud II do?
Increased postal service, infrastructure to connect empire (ie roads), government charity welfare system (to take away power from the religious leaders) and got rid of janissaries in the Auspicious Incident.
What were the Tanzimat Reforms?
It was the period of greatest reform, secular schools were created and even women could attend school. The Ottoman Reform Act of 1856 declared all men equal in opportunity (enlightenment idea), based on merit and treated equally under the law.
Who resisted the reforms?
The Janissaries, the Ayan (wealthy landowners), and the Ulama (religious leaders).
How were the reforms ended?
Abdul Hamid initially said he would continue the reforms, but he suspended the constitution from pressure –> old ways reintroduced. However, the Young Turks forced the successor to continue reforms.
What did Egypt have the was valuable to foreigners?
They had the Sinai Peninsula which allowed a much faster route to Asia.
Who tried to invade Egypt?
Napoleon, however he abandoned his troops because of the strength of the Egyptian army.
Who was Muhammad Ali?
The leader of Egypt for about 50 years. He modernized the military and developed the textile industry by expanding the growth of cotton.
What happened when he died?
His death led to decentralization.
Who were Khedives
Local leaders who were corrupt and weak. They sold the Sinai Peninsula to a private trading company.
What did this lead to?
it lead to the Egyptians forced to sell the rights of the peninsula to the British government and it was made into the Suez Canal (most important waterway in the world).
Who was Norachi?
Leader of the Manchurian tribes, asked by the Emperor of Ming China to help defend against foreign invasion, but Manchurian tribes take over.
what did the Manchurians establish themselves as?
The Qing Dynasty
Did the Manchurians assimilate?
Yes, in fact they admired Chinese culture and traditions, but were still resented by the Chinese. However, females were killed as infants.
Did the Manchurians assimilate?
Yes, in fact they admired Chinese culture and traditions, but were still resented by the Chinese. However, females were killed as infants.
What was the expansion of the Qing Dynasty like?
They expanded westwards and acquired tributary states.
How did they treat peasants?
They treated them well to balance out the gentry. They could inhabit land without having to pay taxes. Ultimately, the gentry gained control of that land.
How did the Qing Dynasty decline?
Rapid population growth due to new foods from the Colombian exchange (less resources for the population), resentment of Manchurian rulers (b/c they were outsiders), and corrupt officials.
What were the restrictions on foreign trading.
The Qing allowed and expanded foreign trade to show their generosity, however there were restrictions. Foreigners couldn’t leave their boats and could only go to one port. The Chinese only wanted gold and silver from the europeans.
What were the effects of the introduction of opium?
It shifts the balance of trade, as now the Chinese are giving back some of the gold they had received from trading. it is a very addictive drug that demobilized some of the population. It caused the Opium war.
How was the Opium war caused?
Lin Zexu tried to stop the trading of opium, but this only caused the europeans to become mad. The British invaded and China was forced to sign the treaty of Nanjing.
