Q.No.6. Explain the Eastern Question and critically analyse the attitude of England towards this question from 1820 to 1913.
The Eastern Question: An Overview
The Eastern Question refers to the political and territorial issues arising from the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It encompassed the struggle for control over territories in Southeastern Europe and the Middle East, particularly as various European powers sought to expand their influence in the region.
1. Context of the Eastern Question
Decline of the Ottoman Empire: By the 1820s, the Ottoman Empire was weakening, facing internal strife and external pressures. This decline prompted neighboring countries and European powers to consider their interests in the region.
Nationalism: Various ethnic groups within the empire sought independence, leading to uprisings and demands for self-determination, notably in the Balkans.
England’s Attitude Towards the Eastern Question (1820-1913)
1. Initial Involvement (1820s – 1850s)
Support for Nationalist Movements: England initially supported nationalist uprisings against Ottoman rule, particularly in Greece, where it aided the Greek War of Independence (1821-1832). This was motivated by both humanitarian concerns and the desire to weaken the Ottoman Empire.
The Treaty of London (1830): This treaty recognized Greek independence, reflecting England’s interest in establishing a balance of power in the region.
2. Strategic Interests (1850s – 1870s)
Crimean War (1853-1856): England intervened in the Crimean War primarily to curb Russian expansionism and protect Ottoman integrity. The war highlighted the importance of maintaining the Ottoman Empire as a buffer against Russian influence in the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
Treaty of Paris (1856): This treaty ensured the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, aligning with Britain’s interests in maintaining a balance of power in Europe.
3. Growing Concerns (1870s – 1900s)
The Eastern Crisis (1875-1878): A series of uprisings in the Balkans against Ottoman rule raised concerns in Britain about instability in the region. England feared that further Russian gains would threaten British interests in India and the Suez Canal.
The Congress of Berlin (1878): England played a crucial role in the Congress, which sought to redraw the map of the Balkans after the Russo-Turkish War. Britain aimed to protect Ottoman sovereignty while limiting Russian influence, securing Cyprus in the process.
4. Imperial Interests (1900 – 1913)
Anglo-Russian Agreement (1907): To address concerns over potential conflicts in Central Asia, Britain and Russia reached an agreement that aimed to stabilize their interests in Persia and the Balkans.
Balkan Wars (1912-1913): As tensions rose and wars erupted in the Balkans, Britain’s attitude was cautious. It sought to prevent any single power from dominating the region, especially Russia, but largely refrained from direct military involvement.
Critical Analysis of England’s Attitude
1. Realpolitik Approach
Balance of Power: England’s primary concern throughout this period was maintaining a balance of power in Europe. Its actions were often pragmatic, focusing on strategic interests rather than ideological support for nationalism or independence.
Imperial Interests: The British Empire’s global strategy shaped its attitude toward the Eastern Question. Protecting trade routes, especially to India, and containing Russian expansion were paramount.
2. Contradictory Stances
Support vs. Opposition: England’s initial support for nationalist movements was often contradicted by later actions that aimed to uphold the Ottoman Empire. This inconsistency reflected a broader strategy of manipulation rather than genuine support for self-determination.
Colonial Pressures: The desire to maintain colonies and protect imperial interests sometimes overshadowed humanitarian concerns, leading to policies that prioritized strategic gains over the rights of oppressed populations.
3. Legacy of Instability
Short-Term Solutions: While England’s interventions aimed to stabilize the region, they often resulted in temporary fixes rather than long-term solutions. The Eastern Question remained unresolved, contributing to ongoing conflicts in the Balkans and ultimately the conditions leading to World War I.
Conclusion
The Eastern Question encapsulated the complex interplay of nationalism, imperial interests, and geopolitical strategy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. England’s attitude towards the question was characterized by a pragmatic approach focused on maintaining the balance of power and protecting its imperial interests. However, this often led to contradictory policies that failed to address the underlying issues, contributing to long-term instability in the region.
