Ottoman Pacification of the Balkans, 1450-1650 C.E
Abstract
The Ottoman Empire is often portrayed as a bloodthirsty Empire bent on conquering Europe through its military strength. From its beginnings in the 13th century until its demise in 1924, the Ottoman Empire expanded its territory over the vast expanses of the Middle East and throughout much of Southeastern Europe, the core of which it held for over 400 years. While Ottoman history is not devoid of acts of rebellion and insurrection, they are curiously lacking in the Balkans. This thesis will attempt to uncover the reasons for the relative ease with which the Ottomans ruled over an area consisting of so many different cultures and religions. With the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, the Balkan States erupted into various conflicts mostly predicated on differences in culture and religion. The basis for these conflicts can be traced to the area's history under the Ottoman Empire. The thesis will demonstrate how the Ottoman Empire was successful in pacifying the area for over 400 years by examining its application of the elements of national power: Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic (DIME). The people who were pacified are defined as the indigenous peoples of the Balkans prior to the arrival of the Ottomans. Because of the Ottoman Empire's reputation as an expansionist power, one would surmise that the Ottoman Empire was most successful in the Military sphere of the DIME. However, this thesis will show that the other DIME elements had a greater influence on Ottoman Balkan policies than the military did, especially when one examines the social structures that were established in local governments and the surprising amount of religious tolerance that existed in the empire.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502051
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Rudd
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College