How did European powers exploit the Ottoman Empire's weaknesses?

European powers exploited the Ottoman Empire's weaknesses through economic manipulation, territorial encroachment, and political interference.

The Ottoman Empire, once a formidable power, began to show signs of weakness in the 17th century. European powers, particularly Britain, France, and Russia, capitalised on these weaknesses to further their own interests. One of the primary ways they did this was through economic manipulation. The Ottoman Empire was heavily reliant on foreign trade, and European powers used this to their advantage. They established a series of unequal trade agreements, known as the Capitulations, which granted them significant economic privileges. These agreements allowed European merchants to trade freely within the empire, often at the expense of local Ottoman merchants. This led to a significant outflow of wealth from the empire, weakening its economy and increasing its dependence on European powers.

Territorial encroachment was another method used by European powers to exploit the Ottoman Empire's weaknesses. As the empire's military power declined, it became increasingly difficult for it to defend its vast territories. European powers seized this opportunity to expand their own empires. For example, Russia repeatedly invaded the Ottoman-controlled territories in the Balkans and the Caucasians, while Britain and France took control of various Ottoman territories in the Middle East and North Africa. This not only weakened the Ottoman Empire militarily, but also undermined its sovereignty and prestige.

Political interference was also a key strategy used by European powers. They often intervened in the empire's internal affairs, supporting rebellions and separatist movements in an attempt to destabilize the empire. For instance, during the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century, Britain, France, and Russia provided significant support to the Greek rebels, leading to the establishment of an independent Greek state. Similarly, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, European powers supported various nationalist movements within the empire, contributing to its eventual disintegration.

In conclusion, European powers exploited the Ottoman Empire's weaknesses in a variety of ways, using economic manipulation, territorial encroachment, and political interference to further their own interests. This not only weakened the empire, but also contributed to its eventual collapse.