History of the Modern Middle East / Module 5
Reform and the Ottoman Empire & Egypt (II)
Military reform and state power are examined through Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and Britain. The lesson shows why Britain opposed a strong regional state.
Learning objectives
- Explain why Britain opposed a powerful state in this part of the region.
- Trace changes in Ottoman military reform at the end of the nineteenth century.
Transcript excerpt
Excerpt from the lesson transcript
Britain did not want a powerful state in this part of the world. The Ottoman state never was able to reach the same level of power that Muhammad Ali, for a brief period of a couple decades, managed to reach with Egypt. Towards the end of the 19th century, early 20th century, the Ottoman army is reformed, and it becomes much more formidable.