La Paz Armada (1870-1914) (II) La Cuestión de Oriente

Summary

This video discusses the 'Eastern Question' and its role in escalating international tensions leading up to World War I. It focuses on the gradual decline of the Ottoman Empire from the 19th century, with significant events like the Greek War of Independence, the Russo-Turkish War, and the Balkan Wars. The decline of Ottoman control in the Balkans fueled nationalist movements and territorial disputes, leading to complex alliances and crises. Key powers such as Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Britain played critical roles in shaping the region's instability, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War I.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Eastern Question' refers to the geopolitical tensions surrounding the decline of the Ottoman Empire, especially during the period 1870-1914, which contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
• 😀 The Ottoman Empire once controlled vast territories across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, but began a slow decline in the 17th century, losing territory to Austria and Russia.
• 😀 By the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire struggled to modernize its structures, making it vulnerable to internal uprisings and external interventions by European powers.
• 😀 Nationalist movements, particularly in the Balkans (Greeks, Bulgarians, Serbs, etc.), sought independence from the weakening Ottoman Empire, causing tensions in the region.
• 😀 The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) served as a model for other nationalist uprisings, with the Greeks achieving independence after a brutal and prolonged struggle.
• 😀 The Greek War of Independence was marked by atrocities such as the Chios massacre, where thousands were killed or enslaved by Ottoman forces, drawing the attention of European powers.
• 😀 Major European powers like Britain, France, and Russia had conflicting interests in the region, with Britain and France supporting Christian minorities but wary of Russia's growing influence.
• 😀 Russia aimed to expand its influence in the Balkans by supporting nationalist movements, particularly the Slavic peoples, while Austria-Hungary sought to counterbalance Russia's influence in the region.
• 😀 The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) resulted in a shift of Ottoman territories in the region, but disputes among the Balkan states over territorial gains led to further conflicts, particularly the Second Balkan War.
• 😀 The Balkan Crises, fueled by nationalist ambitions and the involvement of great powers, significantly contributed to the tensions leading to World War I, though the wars themselves did not directly cause the conflict.

Q & A

What is the 'Eastern Question' and why was it significant during the 19th century?

The 'Eastern Question' refers to the geopolitical and strategic issues surrounding the decline of the Ottoman Empire. It was significant because the weakening of the empire created instability in Europe, especially in the Balkans, which contributed to rising international tensions leading up to World War I.

How did the Ottoman Empire's territorial decline contribute to the rise of nationalism in the Balkans?

As the Ottoman Empire lost territories to Austria and Russia, the remaining Ottoman-controlled regions, especially in the Balkans, saw the rise of nationalist movements. These movements sought independence from the weakening empire, fueled by ethnic and religious identities.

What role did Russia play in the Balkans during the 19th century?

Russia aimed to expand its influence in the Balkans, particularly to gain access to the Mediterranean. It promoted Pan-Slavism, supporting the creation of Slavic nation-states in the region and aligning itself with countries like Serbia to counter Ottoman power.

Why did Austria-Hungary have an interest in the Balkans?

Austria-Hungary sought to expand its own influence in the Balkans, as the region provided a strategic pathway for expansion. It also wanted to counterbalance Russia's growing influence, especially after Russia's successes in the Russo-Turkish War.

What were the causes and outcomes of the Greek War of Independence?

The Greek War of Independence, which began in 1820, was sparked by nationalist aspirations to break free from the Ottoman Empire. It lasted over a decade and involved brutal tactics on both sides, including the infamous Chios massacre. The war ended in Greek independence in the early 1830s, inspiring other Balkan nationalities.

How did European powers respond to the massacres during the Greek War of Independence?

European powers, particularly Britain and France, were horrified by the massacres and atrocities committed by the Ottomans, such as the Chios massacre. This led to increased pressure for intervention and eventually contributed to Greece's independence with the help of Western powers.

What were the results of the Crimean War for the Ottoman Empire?

The Ottoman Empire, with the help of Britain and France, successfully repelled a Russian invasion during the Crimean War (1853-1856). Although the war temporarily preserved the Ottoman Empire's territorial integrity, it highlighted the empire's weakening state and inability to modernize.

What was the significance of the Congress of Berlin (1878) in the Balkan region?

The Congress of Berlin was pivotal in revising the terms of the Treaty of San Stefano, which had been imposed after the Russo-Turkish War. It limited the size of the new Bulgarian state and adjusted territorial boundaries, with Austria-Hungary gaining control over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How did the formation of the Balkan League in 1912 impact the Ottoman Empire?

The formation of the Balkan League, consisting of Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, marked a coordinated effort to defeat the Ottoman Empire and divide its European territories. The League achieved victory, but the aftermath led to disputes among the Balkan states over territorial gains.

What triggered the Third Balkan War and how did it contribute to tensions leading to World War I?

The Third Balkan War, also known as the Second Balkan War, was triggered by Bulgaria's dissatisfaction with the territorial division after the First Balkan War. Serbia, Greece, and Turkey allied against Bulgaria, resulting in a weakened Bulgaria. The ongoing Balkan instability, fueled by these wars and alliances, escalated tensions in Europe and contributed to the outbreak of World War I.