Europeans Claim Muslim Lands

1. Europeans Claim Muslim Lands How do Europeans try to expand their empires into Muslim lands?

2. Decline of Ottoman Empire • Death of Suleyman I and failed reforms leads to decline in Ottoman Empire • Crimean War reveals weaknesses in Ottoman military • Ottomans allow parts of Empire to break away • Europeans (esp Britain & Russia) want former Ottoman land for geopolitical reasons

3. Persia Russia had gained influence in Persian territory, however Britain was looking to gain influence Persian rulers favored Britain, allowed Br. tobacco to be sold Many upset at western influence, Jamal al-Afghani leads a boycott of British tobacco Boycott worked, but weak leadership & lack of capital allowed Russia & Britain to gain more influence over country

4. Afghanistan • British invade Afghanistan first war fought 1839-1842, British win & gain some land • British fight second war 1878-1880, Afghans give more territory to British – Russia & Afghanistan sign non-aggression pact • Russia gaining influence in Central Asia • British want Afghanistan as buffer between India & Russia

5. Egyptians turn to French to help build the canal • French & Egyptians borrow from British banks, can’t pay debt Suez Canal • New Egyptian leader Isma’il creating big debts modernizing Egypt, incl a canal connecting the Mediterranean & Red Sea • British Government buys the debt & gains control of canal (1869), have sphere of influence in Egypt • British see the canal as the “lifeline of the empire”