PRINCIPLES OF ATATURK AND THE HISTORY OF TURKISH REVOLUTION I - Chapter 5 Summary

Summary

This video covers the 1908 Revolution in the Ottoman Empire, triggered by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) to restore constitutional rule. The revolution promised equality, liberty, and justice but led to tensions with conservative forces, culminating in the 31st of March Incident of 1909. Following the rebellion's suppression, the CUP continued its control, but internal opposition grew, especially with the onset of the Balkan Wars. The Ottoman Empire's defeat in these wars, coupled with increasing Turkish nationalism, marked a turning point, leading to significant political and territorial losses, ultimately setting the stage for the Empire's entry into World War I.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Revolution of 1908 was led by the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) after merging with the Ottoman Freedom Society, aiming to restore the Ottoman Constitution and reform the political system.
• 😀 The second Young Turk Congress in Paris advocated for the deposition of the Sultan and the reinstatement of the constitutional regime, setting the stage for the revolution.
• 😀 The revolution began in Macedonia, gained momentum in Thrace, and was eventually supported by the army, leading to the Sultan’s decree reinstating the Constitution.
• 😀 The Revolution of 1908 promised ideals like liberty, equality, and justice, with a shift toward parliamentary democracy, responsible government, and the reduction of censorship.
• 😀 After the revolution, the Sultan remained in power, but the CUP influenced politics indirectly, leading to significant opposition from Ottoman Liberals and religious fundamentalists.
• 😀 The 31st of March Incident (1909) was a rebellion by religious conservatives and military officers against the CUP’s secular policies, demanding a return to Sharia law and the dismissal of CUP members.
• 😀 Despite initial setbacks, the CUP reorganized and, with military support, suppressed the rebellion, further consolidating its political control.
• 😀 The aftermath of the 31st of March Incident saw a strengthened Parliament and amendments to the 1876 Constitution, which reduced the Sultan’s absolute powers and bolstered the CUP's rule.
• 😀 The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) severely weakened the Ottoman Empire, leading to the loss of significant territories and contributing to the rise of Turkish nationalism in Anatolia.
• 😀 The Balkan Wars prompted a shift in foreign policy, as the CUP sought alliances with European powers but faced resistance, eventually aligning with Germany during World War I.
• 😀 The Ottoman Empire’s loss of Rumelia and its European territories led to mass migration into Anatolia, reinforcing the idea of a Turkish homeland and fueling the development of Turkish nationalism.

Q & A

What were the main objectives of the Revolution of 1908 in the Ottoman Empire?

The main objectives of the 1908 Revolution were to reinstate the 1876 Ottoman Constitution, promote liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice, and establish a parliamentary democracy. The revolution aimed at replacing the traditional institutions with a responsible government, a meritocratic bureaucracy, and political parties.

Who were the key groups involved in the Revolution of 1908, and how did they contribute to the movement?

The key groups involved were the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP), the Ottoman Freedom Society, and various ethnic and religious communities. The CUP, which had merged with the Ottoman Freedom Society, played a central role, while the ethnic and religious communities like Greeks, Armenians, and Jews helped secure support for the revolution through elections.

How did the Sultan, Abdulhamid II, respond to the 1908 Revolution?

Initially, Sultan Abdulhamid II resisted the revolution, but after seeing the power of the second and third armies marching on Istanbul, he gave in. He issued an imperial decree proclaiming the reinstatement of the Constitution to avoid military confrontation.

What was the significance of the 31st of March Incident in 1909?

The 31st of March Incident was a rebellion against the CUP’s secular policies. Conservative groups, including religious fundamentalists and military officers, demanded the reinstatement of Sharia law and the dismissal of CUP leaders. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the CUP with military intervention.

What were the reasons behind the 31st of March rebellion?

The rebellion was caused by discontent from various groups, including those who lost jobs due to the new regime, the opposition to secularization of social life, and the dissatisfaction of the opposition party. Religious fundamentalists, in particular, opposed the CUP’s secular policies.

How did the CUP respond to the 31st of March Incident after it was suppressed?

After suppressing the rebellion, the CUP reorganized the Action Army, used public demonstrations, and sent telegrams to the palace and Parliament. This led to the dismissal of the cabinet and the restoration of the CUP's control, while also enacting significant constitutional amendments to limit the Sultan’s powers.

What were the consequences of the Balkan Wars for the Ottoman Empire?

The Ottoman Empire lost significant territories in the Balkans, including Macedonia and Edirne. The wars marked a shift towards Turkish nationalism, as the Empire’s non-Turkish populations grew discontent with centralization. The wars also strained the Empire’s foreign relations, eventually contributing to its alliance with Germany during World War I.

How did the Balkan Wars affect Ottoman foreign policy?

The Ottoman Empire’s defeat in the Balkan Wars led it to seek alliances with European powers for protection. Despite initial rejections from Britain and France, the Empire eventually aligned with Germany after the assassination of Austria-Hungary’s crown prince, which drew the Ottomans into World War I.

What role did Turkish nationalism play after the Balkan Wars?

Following the Balkan Wars, Turkish nationalism emerged as the dominant ideology of the CUP, emphasizing a strong Turkish identity. The loss of territories in the Balkans and the migration of Turkish Muslims to Anatolia contributed to the development of Turkish nationalism, which increasingly identified Anatolia as the Turkish homeland.

What political challenges did the Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) face after the Balkan Wars?

The CUP faced significant opposition from various groups, including the Albanian resistance to centralization, discontent from non-Turkish and non-Muslim communities, and the rise of the Party of Freedom and Accord. Despite winning the 1912 elections, the CUP's power was diminished, and the government was eventually forced to resign by a group of officers.