Discuss the causes of the Greek War of Independence and its impact on the Ottoman Empire.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the causes of the Greek War of Independence and its impact on the Ottoman Empire. Causes and consequences may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. For causes, candidates may refer to increased Greek nationalism inspired by their increased wealth, the Enlightenment and nationalist movements in other states; Greek resentment of their position in the Ottoman Empire; financial and military support for their cause from Western Europe as well as Russia; a belief that the Ottomans were declining in power. For impact on the Ottomans, candidates may refer to a significant loss of territory and prestige; exposure of Ottoman weakness which encouraged further revolts in the Balkans; the emergence of Muhammad Ali in Egypt as an independent ruler; increased pressure from Russia on Turkish territory, which created the Eastern Question and forced the Ottomans into widespread reforms. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question on Greek independence was very popular and most candidates were able to make some address of both the cause and impact requirements of the question. The problem for many candidates was a lack of content in both causes and impacts. Answers lacked enough range of causes and impacts supported by good content.