“The rise of nationalism was the main challenge to Ottoman power up to 1840.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the rise of nationalism was the main challenge to Ottoman power up to 1840. Causes may predate the time frame but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the Greek War of Independence, which resulted in Ottoman defeat; nationalist movements in France and Russia led to annexations of Ottoman territory in Africa and Central Asia; rising nationalism in the Balkans challenged Ottoman power. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, Ottoman financial, military and government inefficiencies and internal conflicts led to loss of power. Powerful local leaders such as Mehmet Ali seized control of Egypt, which was a major loss, the Ottoman government was not able to appeal to non-Muslims and those wanting progress, who withdrew their support. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions must be presented clearly and supported by relevant evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the rise of nationalism was the main challenge to Ottoman power up to 1840. This was a popular question but did not often yield strong results. Candidates had some knowledge but not the breadth of content needed for a strong response. There was confusion over the timeframe by some candidates who wrote answers outside the given parameters. In addition, confusion between nationalism and internal struggles such as Mohamed Ali reduced the value of some answers.