Second Constitutional Era

Definition

The Second Constitutional Era refers to the period in the Ottoman Empire from 1908 to 1920, marked by the restoration of the constitution and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. This era aimed to modernize the empire's political structure, promote civic rights, and counteract the autocratic rule that characterized the preceding years. It was a significant moment for Ottoman reforms and modernization efforts, as it involved participation from various political groups and an increased role for citizens in governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Constitutional Era began with the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, which successfully restored the constitution that had been suspended in 1878.
2. During this period, there were significant social and political changes, including greater freedoms of press and assembly, as well as the introduction of political parties.
3. The Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) became the leading political force during this era, pushing for further reforms but also facing opposition from various groups.
4. The era saw increased ethnic tensions within the empire, particularly among nationalistic movements among various ethnic groups seeking autonomy or independence.
5. The Second Constitutional Era ended with the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, leading to its eventual dissolution and the establishment of modern nation-states in its former territories.

Review Questions

• How did the Young Turks influence the political landscape during the Second Constitutional Era?
  • The Young Turks were instrumental in shaping the political landscape during the Second Constitutional Era by leading a revolution that restored the constitution and established a constitutional monarchy. Their advocacy for modernization and civic rights galvanized various social groups and promoted active citizen participation in governance. However, their rise to power also led to internal conflicts, as they faced opposition from traditionalists and various ethnic groups seeking greater autonomy.
• Discuss the impact of the Second Constitutional Era on social and political reforms in the Ottoman Empire.
  • The Second Constitutional Era marked a significant shift towards modernization in the Ottoman Empire, as it initiated various social and political reforms aimed at fostering a more democratic governance model. Freedoms such as press and assembly were expanded, allowing for greater political discourse and activism. However, while these reforms aimed at unifying diverse groups within the empire, they also unintentionally exacerbated ethnic tensions as different nationalist movements emerged, seeking their own agendas.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Second Constitutional Era contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire following World War I.
  • The outcomes of the Second Constitutional Era significantly contributed to the decline of the Ottoman Empire after World War I by highlighting internal divisions and nationalistic aspirations among its diverse population. While reforms were intended to modernize and stabilize governance, they ultimately failed to address underlying tensions between different ethnic groups. The CUP's increasingly authoritarian measures alienated many segments of society. Following defeat in WWI, these unresolved issues led to calls for independence among various groups, ultimately resulting in the empire's disintegration and paving the way for modern nation-states.

Related terms

Young Turks:

A reformist group that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for modernization and constitutional government in the Ottoman Empire.

Constitution of 1876: The first constitution of the Ottoman Empire, which aimed to limit the powers of the sultan and establish a parliamentary system, though it was short-lived.

Committee of Union and Progress (CUP): A political organization that played a key role in the Young Turk Revolution and subsequently dominated the Ottoman political landscape during the Second Constitutional Era.