Chapter 15, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World History, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 15: The Muslim Empires, 1450–1800
"The Success of the Ottomans"

Introduction
The Ottoman Empire was a complex system of government that, at its height, combined an effective dynastic system, a unifying religion, and a powerful military force. In this activity you will examine three important elements of Ottoman rule to gain an understanding of why the Ottomans came to power and how their empire eventually collapsed.

Destination Title: Twenty-Five Lectures on Modern Balkan History

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Directions

Start at the Twenty-Five Lectures on Modern Balkan History Web site.

Click on Lecture No. 3: "The Principles of Ottoman rule in the Balkans."
Read the article, beginning with the section on Ottoman Principles. Take notes as you read.

After you have read the article, answer the following questions.

1. According to the author, what principles give strength and stability to modern states in Western Europe? What three principles underlay the strength of the Ottoman Empire?

2. List four reasons why the Ottomans succeeded as conquerors.

3. Describe the devshirme system.

4. What was usufruct land in the Ottoman Empire?

5. Now that you've read the article, return to the first paragraph. At the end of the paragraph, the author offers a simple theory to explain when and how the Ottoman and Hapsburg Empires either stayed strong or collapsed. On a separate sheet of paper, first restate the author's theory and give your reaction to it. Then devise your own alternative theory that suggests the critical role of one key factor. Develop an argument in writing for why that factor was the most important. Remember to define what you mean by "success" and to explain what would have happened had that key factor not been in place.