OTTOMAN EMPIRE

Why did the Ottoman Empire join the WAR?

MILITARISM

Militarism:

Enver was commissioned into the Turkish army at a young age.

Undergoing part of his training in Germany he absorbed (and was

impressed with) much of its culture, particularly with regard to military

training. He consequently determined upon various means of improving

the efficiency of the Ottoman armed forces along German lines.

The Ottoman Empire was ready for War. Their leader organized their

army like Germany. So, if they needed to pick a side it would be

Germany.

ALLIANCE SYSTEM

In 1914 Enver as Minister of War conducted secret

negotiations with both Germany and Russia aimed at

constructing military alliances with each.

Joined the Central Powers as felt Germany could

get them land lost during the Balkan Wars.

NATIONALISM

The 'Young Turk' revolutionary movement had taken power in 1908 and tried to

bring about social and economic reforms (change by law), with mixed success.

Some members of the movement, such as Enver Pasha, the Minister for War,

supported the idea of pan-Turkic nationalism and dreamed of 'liberating' or

freeing the ethnic-Turks living in Central Asia from Russian rule. In pursuit of

this agenda he championed the Ottoman Empire's entry into the First World War

on the side of Germany and Austria-Hungary in November 1914.

If they won the War, could get back land they had lost during the Balkan Wars

against Russia and unite all Turkish ethnic peoples. Both would restore, pride.

War would also unify the people and continue the Young Turk movement.

IMPERIALISM

During the Balkan Wars against Russia, the

Ottoman Empire lost much land and desired to get it

back.

If they won the War, could get back land they had

lost during the Balkan Wars against Russia and unite

all Turkish ethnic peoples. Both would restore,

greatness.

ASSASSINATION/SPARK