What were the main causes of the decline of the Ottoman Empire?

The decline of the Ottoman Empire can be attributed to several main causes.

1. Internal Weaknesses: The empire faced significant internal challenges such as corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and succession disputes. The system of devshirme, which recruited Christian boys to serve in the empire's administration and military, also led to a decline in the quality of leadership over time.

2. Economic Decline: The empire experienced economic stagnation and decline due to factors such as inflation, heavy taxation, and the loss of trade routes. The emergence of European powers and their control over lucrative trade routes to Asia further weakened the Ottoman economy.

3. Military Defeats: The empire suffered a series of military defeats, particularly in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The Ottoman military, once a formidable force, struggled to adapt to new military technologies and tactics employed by European powers. Defeats in wars such as the Battle of Vienna (1683) and the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) weakened the empire's territorial control and military power.

4. Nationalist Movements: The rise of nationalist movements within the empire's diverse ethnic and religious groups posed a significant challenge to Ottoman authority. These movements, such as the Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) and the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), sought to establish independent states and contributed to the fragmentation of the empire.

5. External Pressure: The Ottoman Empire faced increasing external pressure from European powers, particularly during the 19th century. These powers sought to exploit the empire's weaknesses and gain control over its territories. The empire lost significant territories through a series of wars and treaties, further diminishing its power and influence.

Overall, a combination of internal weaknesses, economic decline, military defeats, nationalist movements, and external pressure contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire. These factors gradually eroded the empire's strength and ultimately led to its dissolution in the early 20th century.