| First WORLD WAR | ||
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| The Ottoman Empire ruled by Sultan Mehmed Resat took place on the side
of Germany (Wilhelm II) and Austria-Hungary (Franz Joseph) against England, France,
Russia, Italy in the war took place between the years 1914-1918 and was one of the most
important and tragic wars of the world history. In the first years of the war, Montenegra,
Serbia, Romania and later the United States, Japan, Greece, Belgium, Portugal took place
beside the allies. The colonies also indirectly fought in the war, as well. The Ottoman Empire being in a state of depression in political, economical, social and military points, participated in the First World War, started on 28th July 1914. As a result of; economical and military support promises of Germany and personal decisions of the leaders of Committee of Union and Progress (Ittihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti) as, Enver Pasha, Cemal Pasha, and Talat Pasha, the Ottoman Empire involved in this war. Firstly a secret alliance agreement had been signed on 28th August 1914; between the Ottoman government and Germany. Mobilisation had been declared on the same day. The German battle ships Croben and Breslaw that were running away from Britain’s pressure, in the Mediterranean Sea; sailed through the Black Sea, on 27th October 1914, and bombed Sivastopol and Odessa. Consequently, the Russian army attacked from the east of the Ottoman territories, on 2nd November 1914. English and French War Ships started to blast Canakkale. As a result of these events, the Ottoman Empire actually participated in the war, on 5th November. England and France declared war against the Ottoman Empire. Sultan declared “Cihad-i Ekber”, that meant a call for all Moslems to fight against the enemy of the Caliphate. The Ottoman Empire called 2.900.000 soldiers into military service, in the first world war. In the war, lasted four years, 400.000 soldiers had died. 253.000 of these soldiers had passed away in Gallipoli. 1.050.000 soldiers were injured or taken prisoners. The Ottoman Empire fought in nine different fronts and withdrew by signing the Mondros Armistice, on 30th October 1918. |
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