The Decline Of The Ottoman Empire
The decline of the Ottoman empire slowly began in the mid-17th century to its demise in the 20th century. Despite the empire’s resilience and ability to ward off enemies from all sides, the expansive power had reached its limits. The empire was too large to be maintained with the level of communication, resources, and technology existing. Furthermore, the 17th century was spent slowly retreating from Russia, Europe, and the Arab lands, diminishing the size of the empire. In addition, the foundation of the Ottoman state was war, steady territorial expansion. As new conquests opportunities ran out and land being lost to rivals, the oversized bureaucracy and army could not be sustained. Similar to other empires, the leadership becomes corrupt
and incompetent to govern the massive empire. Thus, allowing local and regional officials to gain power and wealth under poor supervision. These officials oppressed their peasants causing them to revolt. Therefore the internal strife that would soon decentralize the government was caused by the declining bureaucracy. Moreover, the vague rules for succession produced sultans incapable of governing the empire effectively.
and incompetent to govern the massive empire. Thus, allowing local and regional officials to gain power and wealth under poor supervision. These officials oppressed their peasants causing them to revolt. Therefore the internal strife that would soon decentralize the government was caused by the declining bureaucracy. Moreover, the vague rules for succession produced sultans incapable of governing the empire effectively.