The Congress of Berlin: Britain, Russia, and the Fate of the Ottoman Empire

Summary

The transcript details the intricate political dynamics surrounding the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of nationalism in the Balkans during the late 19th century. Following the Crimean War, tensions escalated as revolts in Herzegovina and Bosnia prompted intervention discussions among major powers like Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Britain. Amidst failed diplomatic efforts and shifting alliances, the eventual Russo-Turkish War led to the Treaty of San Stefano, which was subsequently challenged at the Congress of Berlin. The final settlement left the region unstable, indicating the pressing need for Britain to reconsider its role as a supporter of the Ottoman Empire.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Crimean War ended in 1856, but the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Eastern Question remained unresolved.
• 😀 In 1875, revolts in Herzegovina and Bosnia challenged Ottoman rule, creating diplomatic tensions among European powers.
• 😀 Austria-Hungary and Russia both faced dilemmas regarding the potential collapse of Turkish authority and the rise of national states.
• 😀 Pan-Slavism in Russia encouraged support for Slavic revolts, complicating diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungary.
• 😀 The failure of the Consular Mission highlighted the difficulty of mediating the crisis among the great powers.
• 😀 A series of failed proposals and interventions led to increased tension between Russia and Austria-Hungary over the fate of the Ottoman Empire.
• 😀 By July 1876, the Ottoman internal situation deteriorated, prompting a potential division of the Empire between Austria and Russia.
• 😀 The Treaty of San Stefano established 'Big Bulgaria' but faced opposition from Britain and Austria, leading to the Congress of Berlin.
• 😀 The Congress of Berlin resulted in a compromise that divided Bulgarian territory and reinforced Ottoman control while limiting Russian influence.
• 😀 The settlement from the Congress of Berlin lasted 34 years, indicating the fragile balance of power in Europe post-crisis.

Q & A

What were the primary causes of the Crimean War?

The Crimean War was primarily caused by the ambitions of the great powers concerning the declining Ottoman Empire and issues related to the Turkish Straits.

What was the situation of the Ottoman Empire by 1875?

By 1875, the Ottoman Empire was a failing and increasingly tyrannical state, with severe deprivation in its Balkan provinces, leading to revolts in Herzegovina and Bosnia.

How did Austria-Hungary and Russia view the potential collapse of the Ottoman Empire?

Austria-Hungary feared that the collapse would lead to the emergence of new nation-states that could threaten its multi-ethnic empire, while Russia was concerned about fostering Slavic revolts as part of a pan-Slavic movement.

What was the role of pan-Slavism in Russian foreign policy?

Pan-Slavism was an influential ideology in Russia that encouraged support for Slavic peoples under Ottoman rule, leading to pressures on the government to intervene in the Balkans.

What was the significance of the Andrássy Note of December 1875?

The Andrássy Note proposed reforms for the Ottoman Empire but was ultimately ineffective as the Turks failed to implement its suggestions.

What was the outcome of the Congress of Berlin in 1878?

The Congress of Berlin resulted in the division of 'Big Bulgaria' into smaller entities, a compromise that aimed to address the concerns of Austria-Hungary and Britain while limiting Russian influence.

What was the British response to the events in the Balkans during the Russo-Turkish War?

The British government was initially paralyzed by leadership issues but ultimately moved to support the Ottoman Empire, especially after public opinion turned against Turkish atrocities.

How did Bismarck's policies influence the relationships between the great powers?

Bismarck sought to maintain the balance of power by preventing any one nation from dominating, which meant he often supported Austria-Hungary's interests over Russia's during the crisis.

What were the long-term implications of the Treaty of San Stefano?

The Treaty of San Stefano established a large Bulgarian state under Russian influence but was met with resistance from other powers, leading to the Congress of Berlin and a more balanced settlement.

What was the fate of the Ottoman Empire following the Congress of Berlin?

The Ottoman Empire was preserved but significantly weakened, leading to ongoing instability in the region and signaling a need for Britain to reassess its commitment to the Ottomans.