Committee of Union and Progress

Definition

The Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) was a political organization founded in the late 19th century that played a key role in the Young Turk Revolution of 1908, aiming to modernize the Ottoman Empire and establish a constitutional government. The CUP sought to promote a sense of Turkish nationalism and reform the empire's political structure, which became increasingly important as the empire faced internal strife and external pressures leading to its eventual collapse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CUP initially emerged as a secret society in 1889 but later became a powerful political movement advocating for reform within the Ottoman Empire.
2. They orchestrated the Young Turk Revolution in 1908, which successfully deposed the sultan and restored constitutional rule.
3. Under CUP leadership, there was an emphasis on Turkish nationalism, which marginalized other ethnic groups within the empire.
4. The CUP faced internal dissent and was criticized for its authoritarian methods, especially during World War I when they were blamed for military failures and atrocities.
5. The CUP's policies and actions contributed to the eventual disintegration of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, leading to significant geopolitical changes in the region.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee of Union and Progress influence the political landscape of the Ottoman Empire during its existence?
  • The Committee of Union and Progress significantly influenced the Ottoman Empire by leading to major reforms and the establishment of a constitutional government. Their role in the Young Turk Revolution marked a pivotal shift from absolute monarchy to a more representative system, although it remained limited. The CUP's focus on Turkish nationalism also reshaped policies towards minority groups within the empire, creating tension and conflict that would have lasting effects on its stability.
• Evaluate the impact of CUP's policies on different ethnic groups within the Ottoman Empire.
  • The policies of the Committee of Union and Progress had profound impacts on various ethnic groups within the Ottoman Empire. While their aim was modernization, their strong emphasis on Turkish nationalism often marginalized non-Turkish populations like Armenians, Greeks, and Arabs. This led to increased tensions and violence, particularly during World War I, when accusations against these groups of disloyalty intensified, resulting in tragic events like the Armenian Genocide.
• Assess how the actions of the Committee of Union and Progress contributed to both reform and conflict within the Ottoman Empire leading up to its collapse.
  • The actions of the Committee of Union and Progress contributed to both necessary reforms and deepening conflicts within the Ottoman Empire. While they modernized aspects of governance and sought to address inefficiencies, their authoritarian rule alienated various ethnic groups and exacerbated existing tensions. The push for Turkish nationalism alienated non-Turkish communities, fostering resentment that culminated in violence. Ultimately, these internal divisions weakened the empire's unity and facilitated its collapse after World War I, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Related terms

Young Turks:

A reformist group consisting of various nationalist factions within the Ottoman Empire that sought to modernize and secularize the government during the early 20th century.

Ottoman Constitution of 1908: A constitutional document that restored parliamentary governance in the Ottoman Empire, enacted after the Young Turk Revolution, which aimed to establish democratic principles.

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to movements for independence or self-governance within empires.