Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:42:00-1:45:09

The Ottoman Empire's best option in July 1914

The proposed best outcome is an early, public Ottoman alignment with the Allies that keeps the Dardanelles open and turns German warships into assets.

Allies of World War IDardanellesImperial RussiaNaval StrategyOttoman EmpireSMS GoebenWorld War I
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Question

What was the best possible Ottoman outcome from July 1914?

Short answer

Join the Allies openly, keep the Dardanelles available to Russia, and impound Goeben rather than entering the war on Germany's side.

Notes

An early Ottoman alignment with the Allies would make preserving the empire an Allied interest. It would also keep a useful supply route open to Russia and avoid creating additional fronts for the coalition. Impounding Goeben on arrival is suggested as a way to acquire a battlecruiser without buying one. British compensation associated with the seized Ottoman ships is another financial element in the scenario. The proposed benefit is more money and stability, with time for reform, rather than a guarantee that the empire would survive indefinitely.