WWIWorld War I (WWI) reversed four preceding decades of peace. 19th century industrialization brought Europe economic growth. Military partnerships formed - France, Russia, and Britain created the Alliance, while Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary, the Central Powers. Fighting began when Austria’s Archduke was murdered. Each country supported its alliance, starting WWI.
On October 28, 1914, the Ottoman Empire, pressured by Germany and seeking land, joined the Central Powers by attacking Russian seaports Odessa and Nikolayev. |
Many Ottomans died during WWI. The Ottomans killed one million Christian Armenians, considered traitors supporting Russia. 80,000 Ottomans died in the Gallipoli Campaign, fought to maintain control of the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.
The Ottomans and Central Powers were defeated. The extensive causalities during WWI weakened the Sultan’s popular support and made Turks more open to new leadership. |