The Ottoman empire

What was the impact of the break up of the

Ottoman Empire after WWI?

First … some background info Ottoman Empire

• One of the most successful empires in Southwest Asia

• Lasted from 1299 – 1924• Stretched from parts of Southwest Asia to Europe

and North Africa• Land was settled by many different ethnic groups

and religions – that all got along!• Very successful … until WWI!

Ottoman Empire at it’s peak

Note … what present-day countries were once part of the Ottoman Empire?

WWI and the end of the Ottoman Empire During WWI – sided with Axis Powers

– Germany … on the side of the losing powers!

Therefore, when war ended, the empire was broken up by the Allied Powers (which included US, Britain, and France)

A new country was formed The last remaining bit of the Ottoman

Empire became the present-day country of Turkey!

However, the rest of the empire was divided!

Partitioning of the Ottoman Empire

Britain and France created artificial boundaries

No regards to ethnic groups or religious groups

Groups that had never gotten along were now placed together! This created conflict!

France – Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia Britain – Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Palestine Italy - Libya

NOTE … Israel is not a nation yet!

The importance of the British Mandates

Britain controls the area of Palestine This becomes so important when we

look at the Jewish exile!

So … the rest of the story will pick up with the Jewish Exile!

Your turn … Your thoughts …

• We discussed ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARIES and the conflicts that arose.

• What are your thoughts? How can artificial boundaries create conflict? Think of the religions we’ve talked about. Why might these different religious groups find themselves in conflict?

• Write a brief statement about your thoughts on this idea of artificial boundaries and conflict.