Turkey had been inhabited by different races, having different religions and creeds. As a result, racial and social conflicts always disturbed the peace of Turkey.
In the beginning of the 19th century the Turkish Emperor, Salim Third who was a man of progressive views tried to make reforms in his country but the Turks were so much involved in the religious fanaticism and ancient conservatism that he did not succeed in his efforts.
In 1826 his successor Mahmood Second also followed the path of his predecessor and tried to modernise the army but he failed because these reforms were contrary to the interests of the feudal lords and they did not cooperate with the Sultans, rather they revolted against the emperor.
Anyhow Turkey could survive due to the support of Britain; otherwise she would have lost her existence.
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Development of the Feelings of Nationalism
Problem of nationalism was quite significant before such a corrupt administration. During the Middle Ages when the spirit of nationalism was not developed.
It was easy to rule over a vast territory but in the beginning of the 19th century the spirit of nationalism and democracy flourished and it gave new hope to the suffering humanity.
The feeling of nationalism emerged in the provinces of the Turkish Empire and people of different races having been influenced by western knowledge, literature and thoughts developed the spirit of nationalism.
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This burgeoning feeling of nationalism disintegrated the Turkish Empire. As a result, many new nations emerged in Eastern Europe and western Asia.
In the first decade of the 20th century a revolution broke out in Europe to provide a new life to the sick man of Europe which marked an end to the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid.
The revolution was led by the young boys, therefore it came to be known as the Young Turk Revolution, and before the outbreak of the First World War the Young Turk Revolution was a very significant event.