Evaluate the challenges to Ottoman power during the first half of the 19th century.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the various challenges facing Ottoman power in the first half of the 19th century by weighing up the significance or otherwise of each. These challenges may include economic problems such as those related to the decline of Ottoman trade due to European powers gaining commercial monopolies in India and China. Candidates may note the conservatism of the Ottomans, who were reluctant to introduce western-style reforms or innovations because they believed Islamic civilization to be superior. They may also focus on the growth of nationalism within the empire and the revolts in Serbia, Greece and Egypt. Candidates may acknowledge the Tanzimat (Ottoman reforms), but argue that the implementation of reforms was resisted by conservatives. They may also argue that the Tanzimat offered too little and came too late to save the empire from its long-term decline.