Committee of Union and Progress

Definition

The Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) was a political organization founded in the early 20th century that aimed to modernize the Ottoman Empire and promote national unity. It played a crucial role in the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, which sought to restore the constitutional monarchy and reduce the sultan's absolute power. The CUP's policies and decisions significantly influenced the Ottoman Empire's entry into World War I, its response to nationalist movements, and its reform efforts during a time of decline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CUP was initially formed as a secret society in 1889, primarily by medical students in Paris, before evolving into a prominent political force in the Ottoman Empire.
2. After the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, the CUP successfully restored the constitution and ended the authoritarian rule of Sultan Abdulhamid II.
3. The CUP's leadership included key figures such as Enver Pasha, Talat Pasha, and Jemal Pasha, who became influential in shaping Ottoman policy during World War I.
4. The Committee's nationalistic policies often alienated various ethnic groups within the empire, contributing to tensions that led to events like the Armenian Genocide.
5. The CUP's decision-making played a significant role in aligning the Ottoman Empire with Germany during World War I, impacting both military strategy and diplomatic relations.

Review Questions

• What were the main goals of the Committee of Union and Progress when it was established?
  • The main goals of the Committee of Union and Progress included modernizing the Ottoman Empire, restoring constitutional governance, and promoting national unity among its diverse populations. By advocating for reforms that reduced the sultan's autocratic powers, they sought to create a more representative government that could address various social, economic, and political challenges facing the empire.
• How did the Committee of Union and Progress influence the Ottoman Empire's entry into World War I?
  • The Committee of Union and Progress significantly influenced the Ottoman Empire's entry into World War I through its alignment with Germany, driven by strategic interests. The CUP believed that entering the war on Germany’s side would provide military support against Russian expansionism and help solidify their control over an increasingly unstable empire. This decision ultimately led to catastrophic consequences for the empire as it faced military defeats and internal dissent.
• Evaluate the impact of the Committee of Union and Progress on ethnic relations within the Ottoman Empire during its rule.
  • The impact of the Committee of Union and Progress on ethnic relations within the Ottoman Empire was profoundly complex and often negative. While aiming for national unity, their nationalistic policies marginalized various ethnic groups, leading to increased tensions. This culminated in tragic events such as the Armenian Genocide, as the CUP's leadership targeted perceived threats to Turkish nationalism. The consequences of these actions not only strained inter-ethnic relationships but also set a precedent for future conflicts in post-Ottoman states.

Related terms

Young Turks:

A reformist group composed of exiled Ottoman subjects and military officers who aimed to modernize the empire and end the absolute rule of Sultan Abdulhamid II.

Ottoman Reform Movement: A series of reforms initiated in the 19th century to modernize the military, economy, and administration of the Ottoman Empire in response to internal challenges and external pressures.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation or ethnic group, often leading to the desire for self-governance and independence from imperial control.