Summary of La Paz Armada (1870-1914) (II) La Cuestión de Oriente
The video discusses the Eastern Question, a significant issue in European diplomacy during the 19th century, particularly from 1870 to 1914, which contributed to rising international tensions leading to World War I. The Eastern Question revolves around the decline of the Ottoman Empire, which had once been a vast and powerful entity but began losing territories and influence, particularly in Europe, due to various factors including nationalist movements among the Balkan peoples and the ambitions of neighboring empires like Austria-Hungary and Russia.
The decline of the Ottoman Empire is divided into three phases:
- Initial Phase (1820-1853): This phase is marked by the first nationalist uprisings against Ottoman rule, beginning with Greece's struggle for independence. The Greek War of Independence, which lasted over a decade, involved brutal conflicts and significant civilian casualties, including the infamous massacre on the island of Chios. The brutality of the conflict garnered sympathy from Western powers, leading to their intervention and ultimately, Greek independence.
- Intermediate Phase (1853-1878): Following the Crimean War, nationalism became more entrenched in the Balkans. However, Western powers, particularly Britain and France, were reluctant to support independence movements for other Balkan nations, fearing Russian expansion. Instead, they advocated for autonomy within the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia gained independence, but the balance of power in the region remained unstable.
- Final Phase (Post-1878): Newly independent Balkan states began to conflict with each other and with the remnants of the Ottoman Empire, fueled by nationalistic aspirations and territorial disputes. Russia sought to expand its influence through Pan-Slavism, promoting Slavic unity, particularly in Serbia. Austria-Hungary, aiming to counterbalance Russian power, also sought to expand its influence in the Balkans. The tensions culminated in the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), where alliances shifted, leading to further conflicts and setting the stage for World War I.
The video concludes by emphasizing that the Balkan crises, marked by nationalistic fervor and the involvement of major powers, were critical in escalating tensions that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.
Speakers
- The video features a single speaker who provides a detailed narrative on the Eastern Question and its implications.
Notable Quotes
— 01:20 — « The Turkish Empire, due to its structure, is incapable of modernizing. »
— 03:02 — « Dog treats are the greatest invention ever. »
— 06:10 — « We are talking about 25,000 dead and 45,000 enslaved. »
— 06:53 — « When the news of this type of barbarity spreads throughout Europe, public opinion calls on Western governments to intervene. »
— 16:34 — « The next time the war had been avoided once in 1912, the World War had been avoided again in 1913. »