Why did The Ottoman Empire Destroy Itself ? - Turkish War of Independence Part 1

Knowledgia

6 Nov 202312:07

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script narrates the pivotal moments leading to the end of the Ottoman Empire and the birth of modern Turkey. It begins with the resignation of Grand Vizier Talat Pasha, paving the way for the Armistice of Mudros and the empire's subsequent humiliation. The script then delves into the Western Powers' occupation of Constantinople and the rise of nationalist sentiments, culminating in Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's leadership and the Turkish War of Independence. Highlighting key events like the Greek landing at Smyrna and the formation of the Grand National Assembly, the script underscores the struggle for national unity and sovereignty against foreign occupation and internal strife.

Takeaways

🏰 The Ottoman Empire was in a dire situation during World War I, leading to the resignation of Grand Vizier Talaat Pasha on October 8th, 1918, paving the way for the Armistice of Mudros on October 30th, 1918.
📜 The Armistice of Mudros resulted in the Ottoman Empire surrendering many of its gains, demobilizing its military, and giving control of key straits and territories to the Allies, setting the stage for further occupation and partition.
🎮 The video is sponsored by 'Enlisted', a World War II multiplayer shooter game that emphasizes historical authenticity and dynamic gameplay.
🗺️ The game 'Enlisted' features various historical campaigns like the Battle for Moscow and the Invasion of Normandy, with unique maps, troop types, weapons, and vehicles for players to unlock.
🛡️ Players in 'Enlisted' can control squads of fighters, issue orders in battle, and construct buildings like fortifications and anti-tank defenses.
🏛️ The occupation of Constantinople by foreign troops, including the French and British, began on November 13th, 1918, under the guise of protecting the Ottoman monarchy amidst a power vacuum.
🔄 As the Western Powers continued to seize Ottoman lands, Ottoman commanders began to resist, leading to a growing nationalist movement and the rise of military leaders who opposed surrender.
🔱 Sultan Mehmed VI sought to secure his sovereignty by rearranging the Ottoman leadership and bringing in Damat Ferid Pasha to form a trustworthy government, which led to the persecution of former CUP members.
👮 Mustafa Kemal Pasha was appointed by the Sultan as Inspector of the Ninth Army, a strategic move that would later lead to his role in the Turkish War of Independence.
🚢 Mustafa Kemal's arrival in Samsun on May 16, 1919, marked the beginning of the resistance movement, as he rallied support and began organizing the nationalist cause against the occupation.
📝 The Amasia Protocol and subsequent events led to the formation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey with Mustafa Kemal as its leader, setting the stage for a direct confrontation with the Sultan and the Western Powers.

Q & A

Why did Grand Vizier Talat Pasha resign in 1918?
-Grand Vizier Talat Pasha resigned on October 8th, 1918, as he saw himself as an obstacle to the Ottoman Empire reaching agreeable terms with the Triple Entente, which was necessary for the Empire's survival.
What was the significance of the Armistice of Mudros signed on October 30th, 1918?
-The Armistice of Mudros marked the beginning of the end for the Ottoman Empire. It was a humiliating deal that required the Ottomans to relinquish war gains, demobilize their armed forces, and cede control of strategic locations like the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits to the Allies.
What is the game 'Enlisted' and how does it relate to the historical context of the script?
-Enlisted is a World War II multiplayer shooter game that emphasizes historical authenticity and dynamic gameplay. It is sponsored in the script and is used as a thematic connection to the historical events discussed, although it is not directly related to the content of the Ottoman Empire's decline.
What were the consequences of the Ottoman Empire signing the Armistice of Mudros?
-The Armistice allowed the Triple Entente powers to occupy any Ottoman lands in case of disorder, effectively opening the door for occupation and partition of the Empire, which eventually led to the rise of nationalist movements and resistance against foreign control.
Who were the Committee of Union and Progress and why did they flee the country?
-The Committee of Union and Progress was the ruling party of the Ottoman Empire during its final years. Their core members, including the former Grand Vizier Talat, fled the country after the signing of the Armistice of Mudros, which shook the foundations of the Ottoman structure and motivated the Western Powers to intervene further.
What was the role of Sultan Mehmed VI (Vahdeddin) in the Ottoman Empire's final years?
-Sultan Mehmed VI (Vahdeddin) was aware of the opposition to the Empire's surrender and appeasement of wartime enemies. He sought to secure his sovereignty by rearranging the Ottoman leadership and bringing in Damat Ferid Pasha to reform a trustworthy government. However, his actions led to further complications and resistance.
Who was Mustafa Kemal Pasha and what was his significance in the Turkish War of Independence?
-Mustafa Kemal Pasha, also known as Atatürk, was a military officer and nationalist leader. He was appointed by Sultan Mehmed VI as Inspector of the Ninth Army in Anatolia. He played a crucial role in the Turkish War of Independence, leading the resistance against foreign occupation and eventually becoming the founder of modern Turkey.
What events are commonly referred to as the kickoff of the Turkish War of Independence?
-The Greek landing at Smyrna and Mustafa Kemal's landing at Samsun are two events commonly referred to as the kickoff of the Turkish War of Independence. These events sparked a resistance movement against foreign occupation and led to the establishment of a nationalist government.
What was the significance of the Amasia Protocol signed on October 22nd, 1919?
-The Amasia Protocol was an agreement between the Ottoman government and the nationalist resistance. It aimed for national unity and called for new Ottoman elections to be held by the end of the year, which would reset the Chamber of Deputies and show support for the decisions made by the nationalist congresses.
How did the Western Powers respond to the growing nationalist movement in the Ottoman Empire?
-The Western Powers, particularly the British, responded with opposition and attempts to suppress the nationalist movement. They launched raids and arrests against the rebels, which only intensified the resistance efforts and led to further conflict.
What was the outcome of the clashes between the Western Nations and the nationalists in the Ottoman Empire?
-The clashes led to a deepening divide within the Ottoman Empire and a full-scale war with Greece. The nationalists, led by Mustafa Kemal, gained momentum and eventually formed the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which aimed to establish a legitimate government and resist foreign partitioning of the Empire.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and Armistice of Mudros

This paragraph discusses the dire situation of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, as the Central Powers faced defeat. Grand Vizier Talaat Pasha resigned on October 8th, 1918, paving the way for the Armistice of Mudros on October 30th, 1918. This agreement led to the Ottomans giving up war gains, demobilizing their forces, and surrendering control of key straits to the Allies. The video is sponsored by 'Enlisted,' a World War II multiplayer shooter game emphasizing historical authenticity. The Armistice also allowed the Allies to occupy Ottoman lands in case of disorder, which they began to do, leading to increasing resistance among Ottoman commanders and the rise of nationalist sentiments. Sultan Mehmed VI sought to secure his rule by reshuffling the government, which included bringing in Damat Ferid Pasha and purging CUP members, further complicating the situation with ethnic and refugee crises.

05:04

🚢 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: The Birth of the Turkish Resistance

The second paragraph details Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's rise as a nationalist leader and his pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence. Atatürk was appointed by Sultan Mehmed VI as Inspector of the Ninth Army, a move that would later backfire. Atatürk left Constantinople on May 16, 1919, for Samsun, where he began rallying support for the resistance against Allied occupation. The Greek landing at Smyrna and the subsequent violence marked the start of the resistance, which Atatürk and his forces joined. Despite warnings from the British and the Sultan, Atatürk continued to build the resistance movement, leading to his appointment as chairman of key nationalist committees. The Amasya Protocol and the Misak-ı Milli were efforts to unite the nation and hold new elections, but the British occupation of Constantinople and the dismissal of the Chamber of Deputies intensified the conflict. Atatürk's defiance and the growing nationalist movement eventually led to the fall of the constitutional monarchy and the rise of a nationalist government.

10:06

🗽 The Struggle for National Sovereignty and the Formation of the Grand National Assembly

In the final paragraph, the narrative focuses on the establishment of a legitimate government by the Turkish nationalists under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's leadership. Atatürk aimed to rival the Sultan's government in Constantinople by setting up a government in Ankara. The Western Powers, seeking to partition the Ottoman Empire, faced staunch opposition from the nationalists. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey was formed with Atatürk as its prime minister and speaker. The Sultan, attempting to maintain control, issued a fatwa against the rebels, but the Ankara government retaliated with their own fatwa, accusing the Sultanate of being influenced by the Allies. This marked the beginning of internal conflict within Turkey and an official war with Greece. The video concludes with a reminder of the sponsorship by 'Enlisted' and an invitation to play the game for a free bonus pack.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Central Powers

The Central Powers were one of the two main alliances during World War I, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire, among others. In the video's context, the disintegration of the Central Powers' hopes for victory is a key event leading to the Ottoman Empire's scramble to save itself, as mentioned in the line 'as the Central Powers saw their hopes of, winning the Great War, disintegrating the Ottoman Empire began, scrambling to save itself from a, subsequent collapse'.

💡Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was a state that lasted from the 14th to the early 20th century, controlling much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In the script, it is depicted as being on the brink of collapse during World War I, which is central to the video's theme of the empire's downfall and the subsequent Turkish War of Independence.

💡Grand Vizier Talat Pasha

Talat Pasha was an Ottoman statesman who served as Grand Vizier during World War I. His resignation on October 8th, 1918, as mentioned in the script, was a significant event, as it opened the door for the Armistice of Mudros, a pivotal agreement that led to the empire's further decline.

💡Armistice of Mudros

The Armistice of Mudros was an agreement signed on October 30th, 1918, between the Ottoman Empire and the Allies, which ended Ottoman participation in World War I. It is depicted in the video as a humiliating deal that marked the beginning of the end for the Ottoman Empire, as it involved significant territorial and military concessions.

💡Triple Entente

The Triple Entente was the other main alliance during World War I, consisting of the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. In the script, the Triple Entente powers are shown as taking advantage of the Ottoman Empire's weakened state, with the French entering Constantinople and other powers following, leading to the occupation of the city.

💡Committee of Union and Progress (CUP)

The Committee of Union and Progress was a political party and reform movement in the Ottoman Empire that advocated for modernization and union of all ethnic groups within the empire. In the video, the CUP's influence wanes as its core members flee, contributing to the empire's instability and the rise of nationalist sentiments.

💡Sultan Mehmed VI

Sultan Mehmed VI, also known as Vahidettin, was the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The video describes his efforts to secure his sovereignty by rearranging the Ottoman leadership and bringing in Damat Ferid Pasha to reform a trustworthy government, illustrating the empire's internal struggles and the sultan's attempts to maintain power.

💡Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, originally known as Mustafa Kemal Pasha, was a military officer and revolutionary who became the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. The script highlights his role as a nationalist hero and his departure for Samsun, where he would initiate the Turkish War of Independence, marking a significant turning point in the narrative.

💡Greek Landing at Smyrna

The Greek landing at Smyrna refers to the event in 1919 when Greek troops arrived in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir), sparking violence and resistance from the Turkish population. This event is a key catalyst in the script for the escalation of the Turkish War of Independence and the subsequent conflict with Greece.

💡Grand Vizier

The Grand Vizier was the chief minister of the Ottoman Empire, responsible for the administration of the state. The script mentions the shifting of this position into the hands of General Ali Rıza Pasha, who was more sympathetic to the Nationalist cause, indicating a significant change in the empire's political landscape.

💡Grand National Assembly of Turkey

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey was established as a unicameral parliament during the Turkish War of Independence. In the script, its formation with Mustafa Kemal as its prime minister and speaker represents the rise of the nationalist movement and the establishment of a legitimate government opposing the Sultan and the Western powers.

Highlights

The Ottoman Empire faced collapse during the Great War, leading to the resignation of Grand Vizier Talat Pasha on October 8th, 1918.

The Armistice of Mudros was signed on October 30th, 1918, which greatly humiliated the Ottoman Empire and marked the beginning of its end.

Enlisted is a World War II multiplayer shooter game emphasizing historical authenticity and dynamic gameplay.

Players can engage in historical campaigns like the Battle for Moscow or Invasion of Normandy in Enlisted.

Enlisted offers unique maps, troop types, weapons, and vehicles for players to unlock and control.

In Enlisted, players can construct buildings like sandbag fortifications and stationary machine guns during battle.

The Armistice of Mudros forced the Ottomans to relinquish war gains, demobilize forces, and cede control of key straits.

The Triple Entente powers were given permission to occupy Ottoman lands in case of disorder under the Armistice.

The Committee of Union and Progress dissolved as the Western Powers began to occupy Constantinople on November 13th, 1918.

Approximately 50,000 foreign soldiers occupied Constantinople, claiming to protect the Ottoman monarchy.

Ottoman commanders resisted Western takeover, considering not complying with demobilization demands.

Sultan Mehmed VI sought to secure his sovereignty by rearranging the Ottoman leadership and purging CUP members.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was appointed as Inspector of the Ninth Army, a strategic move that would later lead to revolution.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's arrival in Samsun on May 16, 1919 marked the beginning of the Turkish resistance movement.

Greek landing at Smyrna on May 15, 1919 sparked violence and resistance from Turkish guerilla troops.

The Amasia Protocol signed on October 22nd, 1919 aimed for national unity and new Ottoman elections.

The British crackdown on rebels intensified the resistance efforts and led to a series of catastrophic consequences.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk became the prime minister and speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Sultan Mehmed VI issued a fatwa against the nationalists, while Atatürk's government accused the Sultanate of being influenced by the Triple Entente.

Transcripts

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Takeaways

Q & A

Why did Grand Vizier Talat Pasha resign in 1918?

What was the significance of the Armistice of Mudros signed on October 30th, 1918?

What is the game 'Enlisted' and how does it relate to the historical context of the script?

What were the consequences of the Ottoman Empire signing the Armistice of Mudros?

Who were the Committee of Union and Progress and why did they flee the country?

What was the role of Sultan Mehmed VI (Vahdeddin) in the Ottoman Empire's final years?

Who was Mustafa Kemal Pasha and what was his significance in the Turkish War of Independence?

What events are commonly referred to as the kickoff of the Turkish War of Independence?

What was the significance of the Amasia Protocol signed on October 22nd, 1919?

How did the Western Powers respond to the growing nationalist movement in the Ottoman Empire?

What was the outcome of the clashes between the Western Nations and the nationalists in the Ottoman Empire?