The Ottoman Empire | Black Death

The Ottoman Empire


The Ottoman Empire was an Islamic empire that dominated much of the Mediterranean region from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries. The empire was founded in 1281, but its great rise to power did not really occur until after the sacking of Constantinople. At that point, Mehmed II claimed Constantinople for the capital of the empire. At its largest phase, the empire encompassed the majority of the North African coast -- what is now Eastern Europe up through Hungary, Anatolia, and parts of the Persian Gulf. However, by the end of the eighteenth century the Ottoman Empire went into a decline, based on the fragmentation of what had once been one of the most impressive militaries in the West. Earlier in Ottoman history, the military utilized all of the most current technology in its corps; however, as conflict grew within the military, and different factions warred amongst themselves, it became impossible for the government to control the disintegration of the various units. When warfare broke out with Russia in the nineteenth century it became evident that what was once a great military power was now hopelessly overpowered. The empire continued its decline, losing much of its territory in the nineteenth century to Russia, Italy, Greece, and Great Britain. The end finally came during World War I, when the Allies defeated what was left of the Ottoman Empire. The territories of the empire were divided up between the victors, with Great Britain and France gaining control over the Middle East, and Greece gaining control over Anatolia.

1			Explain the role of religion in the social structure of the Islamic Empires.
2			Discuss how the introduction of new crops changed agricultural practices in the Ottoman Empire.

Black Death


This interactive map illustrates the spread of the Black Death during the 14th century. The plague, carried by fleas on Asian black rats, originated in the East and was brought to Europe by Genoese trading vessels in the late 1340s. From there, it quickly spread throughout Europe via trade routes, by land and sea. In a time when overpopulation, poor sanitation, and malnutrition were common, Europe easily fell victim to the Black Death.

3			What part might geography have played in controlling or moderating the spread of the Black Death?
4			What are some of the reactions that a fatal and indiscriminant killer, such as the Black Death, might provoke?
5			With some statistics suggesting that as much as fifty percent of Europe's population fell victim to the plague, what are the social implications that such a death toll might have?