Ottoman Empire's Strategic Effectiveness in Wars Against the Russian Empire

Contrary to the common misconception, the Ottoman Empire was not merely ineffectual in its conflicts with the Russian Empire. The fall of the Ottoman Empire can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including military and technological advancements in Russia, internal organizational challenges, and the strategic maneuvers of the Great War.

Military Reforms and Technological Advancements

Under the enlightened leadership of Tsar Peter the Great, Russia underwent significant military reforms and even hired several Western European officers to bolster its military prowess. This included General Count Heinrich Karl von Barclay de Tolly, a Scottish nobleman who commanded Russian forces, and numerous German generals who served in the Imperial Russian Army until the 1917 Revolution.

While some Western European views might suggest that the Ottoman Empire lagged behind in both military and technological terms, especially during the latter half of the 17th century, evidence points to a lesser degree of disparity. Despite this, the Ottoman military faced significant internal challenges, including a lack of financial backing and divisions within the ranks.

Internal Confusion and Division

The Ottoman military was fraught with confusion and rivalry between high-ranking officials. For instance, Enver Pasha, the Minister of War, and Cemal Pasha, the Minister of the Navy, had distinctly different allegiances and influences. Enver, who had been an attaché in Berlin, and Cemal, who was pro-French, led to a fragmented command structure that weakened the Ottoman military's coherence.

Furthermore, the Ottoman military branches were not homogenous. While the army was modernized with German methods and advisors, the Ottoman Navy had similar relationships with Great Britain, which created further divisions and hindered a unified strategy.

The Role of the Great War and Strategic Partnerships

The primary effectiveness of the Ottoman Empire can be seen in the context of the Great War. The War was not a straightforward victory for any single side, and the Ottoman Empire played a crucial role in diverting enemy forces and keeping them engaged in the Eastern Front. This logistical partnership with Germany influenced the war's outcome, as the Ottoman Empire's entry into the war was mainly driven by the need to pay salaries and maintain troop morale.

The Ottoman Empire's military presence on the side of Germany aided in keeping Arab territories neutral until 1916, which allowed Britain to allocate considerable forces to Egyptian and Iraqi fronts, thereby bolstering efforts on the Western Front. The Ottoman army's most significant successes, such as the victory at Gallipoli, paved the way for Russia's eventual collapse and the disintegration of their Eastern front.

The Battle of Gallipoli in 1915 was a decisive moment, as it led to the denuclearization of the Russian supply routes through the straits, leading to Russia's demoralization and collapse within two years. Had America not entered the war on the Allied side, Germany might have had a better chance of achieving a negotiated peace or even victory.

Logistical and Monetary Challenges

The Ottoman Empire faced numerous challenges, including significant logistical and monetary problems. Despite these hurdles, the Ottoman army managed to achieve several strategic objectives. Enver Pasha's reforms and modernization efforts spearheaded by German advisors shifted the tide in the favor of the Ottoman military, especially in the aftermath of the Balkan Wars.

The success of the Ottoman Islamic Army of the Caucasus in capturing Baku on September 15, 1918, exemplifies the strategic effectiveness of the Ottoman forces. This victory, supported by German backing, not only bolstered the Ottoman's image as a formidable power but also contributed to significant social and political changes in the region.

In conclusion, the Ottoman Empire's role in the Great War demonstrated strategic effectiveness, particularly in diverting enemy resources and maintaining a crucial Eastern front. While the empire faced numerous challenges, its efforts were not in vain, leaving a lasting impact on the region and the global stage.

Sources

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Image: Ottoman Islamic Army of the Caucasus enters Baku on 15 September 1918 and liberates the city.

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