Alliances
The Ottoman Empire became increasingly threatened internally and externally by competing nations desiring more power through expansion. Its main threat was Russia, since it had large ambitions in the Balkans. This gave the Ottomans no choice but to seek aid from a previously established military alliance (Simkin 6). Originally, the Ottoman Empire did not intend to form an alliance with Germany; it had offered Britain to form an alliance, but was ignored three times (Mead 1). Eventually, Turkey decided Germany would be the “next safest choice of an alliance since it did not hold a major position in Asia Minor, and it lacked a large Muslim colony that might clash with the interests of the Empire" (Mead 2). Germany agreed, as it saw potential advantages to partnering up with the Ottoman Empire. With this alliance Germany would be able to have access to Turkish troops as well as land routes previously closed-off and the Empire would be provided with German protection. However, this entire agreement was kept secret from other countries (Mead 2).
It was also a better option for the Ottoman Empire to join on the side of the Central Powers because of prior disagreements with the Allied Powers. There were two major issues the Empire had with the Allied Powers. The first was that the Allies frowned upon Turkey holding German warships, and the second was the fact that Russia had strong interest in Turkish straits which would defeat the purpose of a protective alliance
(Harlow 5).
It was also a better option for the Ottoman Empire to join on the side of the Central Powers because of prior disagreements with the Allied Powers. There were two major issues the Empire had with the Allied Powers. The first was that the Allies frowned upon Turkey holding German warships, and the second was the fact that Russia had strong interest in Turkish straits which would defeat the purpose of a protective alliance
(Harlow 5).