Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:00:39-3:01:16

Could stronger Ottoman leadership keep the empire neutral?

A more capable Ottoman government would recognize that strict neutrality offered its best chance of survival and might avoid entering the war altogether.

NeutralityOttoman EmpireOttoman Entry into World War IThree PashasWorld War I
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Question

How would more competent leadership by the Three Pashas change World War I?

Short answer

A more capable Ottoman government would recognize that strict neutrality offered its best chance of survival and might avoid entering the war altogether.

Notes

The comparison with Italy in World War II concerns entering a war without being prepared for it. Competent Ottoman leaders would recognize the same danger in their own position. Strict neutrality offered the empire its best option. Better leadership could therefore change whether it entered the war at all, rather than merely alter the conduct of its campaigns.