Committee of Union and Progress

Definition

The Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) was a political organization in the Ottoman Empire that emerged in the early 20th century, advocating for modernization and reform. It played a crucial role in the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, aiming to restore the constitutional monarchy and promote a more secular and nationalistic vision for the empire amidst growing internal and external pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CUP was initially formed as a secret society among military officers and intellectuals, advocating for the end of autocratic rule in the Ottoman Empire.
2. In 1908, the Young Turk Revolution, led by the CUP, successfully restored the constitution of 1876, marking a significant shift towards parliamentary governance.
3. The CUP promoted Turkish nationalism, which led to tensions with ethnic minorities within the empire as they pushed for assimilation into a Turkish identity.
4. During World War I, the CUP's leadership made controversial decisions, including aligning with Germany and implementing policies that contributed to significant humanitarian crises.
5. The failure of the war and subsequent defeat in 1918 led to increased criticism of the CUP, contributing to its eventual dissolution and loss of power in post-war Turkey.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee of Union and Progress influence the political landscape of the Ottoman Empire during its rise?
  • The Committee of Union and Progress significantly influenced the political landscape by spearheading the Young Turk Revolution, which restored constitutional governance. Their push for modernization helped shift power from traditional autocratic rule to a more democratic structure. The CUP's policies also aimed at unifying various ethnic groups under a nationalist agenda, which had long-lasting effects on inter-ethnic relations within the empire.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Committee of Union and Progress's nationalist policies on ethnic minorities within the Ottoman Empire.
  • The nationalist policies promoted by the Committee of Union and Progress had profound consequences for ethnic minorities in the Ottoman Empire. While these policies aimed to create a cohesive national identity centered around Turkish culture, they often marginalized other ethnic groups, leading to tensions and unrest. This approach ultimately contributed to significant societal divisions and conflicts as various minorities sought greater autonomy or independence from central authority.
• Critically assess how the decisions made by the Committee of Union and Progress during World War I affected their legacy in modern Turkey.
  • The decisions made by the Committee of Union and Progress during World War I have had a lasting impact on their legacy in modern Turkey. Their alignment with Germany and implementation of severe wartime policies contributed to massive civilian suffering and loss of life. After their defeat, they were widely blamed for these failures, leading to a tarnished reputation that affected perceptions of nationalism in Turkey. This legacy is complex, as it intertwines themes of modernization with darker aspects such as genocide and authoritarianism that haunt contemporary discussions about national identity.

Related terms

Young Turks:

A reformist group within the Ottoman Empire that sought to modernize the state and establish a constitutional government, closely associated with the Committee of Union and Progress.

Ottoman Reform Movement: A series of reforms in the 19th century aimed at modernizing the Ottoman Empire's political, military, and social structures, laying groundwork for movements like the CUP.

Enver Pasha:

A leading figure in the Committee of Union and Progress who became the Minister of War and played a significant role during World War I, influencing military strategies and policies.