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 AustriaHungary 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