Armenian Genocide | World History Project

Summary

The video explores the concept of genocide, focusing on the Armenian Genocide during World War I. It explains the definition of genocide, coined by Raphael Lemkin, and highlights the historical context of the Ottoman Empire's treatment of Armenians. The script details the tensions between different ethnic and religious communities within the empire and the fear of Armenians siding with Russia during the war. It describes the brutal mass extermination of over a million Armenians from 1915 to 1917, the role of Turkish officials, and the international recognition of this tragedy as the Armenian Genocide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'genocide' was coined by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in 1944, combining the Greek words 'genos' (race or ethnicity) and 'cide' (murder).
• 😀 Genocide, as defined by the United Nations, is the mass extermination of a group of people based on their race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, with the intent to destroy them.
• 😀 The Armenian Genocide occurred between 1915 and 1917 when the Ottoman Empire targeted the Armenian population, nearly wiping them out.
• 😀 The Ottoman Empire was a multi-ethnic and multi-faith empire, home to various communities like Muslims, Christians, Jews, Armenians, and others.
• 😀 Armenians were historically a Christian minority within the Ottoman Empire and were subjected to restrictions, including military exclusion and higher taxes.
• 😀 Tensions between Armenians and the Ottoman Turks escalated after the empire's defeat in 1915 against Russia, leading to the scapegoating of Armenians.
• 😀 The Ottoman government accused Armenians of collaborating with Russia and used this as justification for mass violence and forced relocations.
• 😀 The Armenian Genocide began with massacres, later evolving into systematic extermination, where Armenians were killed, tortured, and displaced.
• 😀 Reports from the time indicate that some Turkish officials tried to warn Armenians, urging them to flee to save their lives, but many were unable to escape.
• 😀 The genocide resulted in over one million Armenian deaths, with many dying from executions, starvation, and forced marches to labor camps.
• 😀 After the genocide, only a few Ottoman officials were punished, and the Turkish government continues to deny the events, while many countries and organizations recognize it as a genocide.

Q & A

What is the definition of genocide?

Genocide is defined as the mass extermination of a group of people based on their race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, with the intent to destroy the community. The term was coined by Raphael Lemkin in 1944.

Who coined the term 'genocide' and when?

The term 'genocide' was coined by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in 1944, in his book 'Axis Rule in Occupied Europe.'

What historical event is considered an act of genocide, and why?

The Holocaust during World War II is considered an act of genocide because it involved the mass extermination of Jewish people and other minority groups, based on their race and ethnicity.

Why did the Armenian genocide occur within the context of World War I?

The Armenian genocide occurred during World War I due to tensions between the Armenians and the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman rulers feared Armenians might side with Russia, and the empire sought to establish a more unified Turkic and Muslim state, leading to the forced removal and extermination of Armenians.

How were Armenians treated under Ottoman rule before the genocide?

Under Ottoman rule, Armenians were part of a millet (religious community) and were allowed to practice their faith but were restricted in certain areas, such as military service and taxes. While they lived peacefully for centuries, tensions arose due to perceptions of Armenians being wealthier and more educated than other groups.

What role did the Young Turk Revolution play in the genocide?

The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 led to the formation of a constitutional government, but the Committee of Union and Progress, the ruling political party, viewed Armenian communities as obstacles to their vision of a Turkish nation-state. This belief contributed to the eventual genocide.

What was the initial justification for the forced relocation of Armenians?

The initial justification for the forced relocation of Armenians was the fear of a rebellion. After a military defeat against Russia, rumors spread that Armenians were plotting against the Ottomans, leading to the mass relocation and killings of Armenians, especially along the borders and military fronts.

How did the violence escalate from massacres to genocide?

The violence initially started as sporadic massacres but escalated into a full-scale genocide due to political panic, despair, and a desire for revenge after the Ottoman Empire's military losses. This led to systematic extermination, including forced marches, executions, and torture.

What were some of the atrocities committed during the Armenian genocide?

During the genocide, Armenian men were executed, women were raped and murdered, children were orphaned, and families were forced to march to labor camps where many died. Their properties were looted, and religious sites were desecrated.

How did the international community respond to the Armenian genocide?

The international community, particularly in Europe and America, responded with outrage as reports of Armenian persecution surfaced. Organizations were formed to provide aid, and some ambassadors tried to intervene. Despite these efforts, the genocide continued, and it is now memorialized as the Armenian Genocide.