Select The Correct Answer.Which Ethnic Population Was Brutally Killed Because Of The Nationalism And Prejudice Of The Young Turks?A. Armenians B. Turks C. Russians D. Dutch

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The Armenian Genocide: A Tragic Chapter in History

The Armenian Genocide, one of the most devastating events of the 20th century, was a systematic extermination of the Armenian population by the Young Turks, a nationalist movement that ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1913 to 1918. The genocide was a result of the Young Turks' ideology of Turkish nationalism, which emphasized the superiority of the Turkish people and led to the persecution and elimination of minority groups, including the Armenians.

Background of the Armenian Genocide

The Ottoman Empire, which had been in decline for centuries, was facing internal strife and external threats in the early 20th century. The Young Turks, a group of military officers and intellectuals, seized power in 1913 and implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the empire and promoting Turkish nationalism. However, their policies were based on a racist and xenophobic ideology that viewed non-Turkish populations as inferior and a threat to Turkish dominance.

The Persecution of Armenians

The Armenians, who had lived in the Ottoman Empire for centuries, were a significant minority group. They were predominantly Christian and had a distinct culture and language. The Young Turks viewed the Armenians as a threat to their power and saw them as a obstacle to the creation of a unified Turkish state. In 1915, the Young Turks launched a campaign of persecution against the Armenians, which included forced deportations, massacres, and forced conversions.

The Massacres and Deportations

The massacres and deportations of Armenians were carried out by the Ottoman military and paramilitary groups, who were given free rein to kill and destroy Armenian communities. The victims were often subjected to brutal treatment, including torture, rape, and forced labor. Many Armenians were forced to march through the desert without food or water, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.

The Death Toll

Estimates of the death toll vary widely, but it is generally agreed that between 600,000 to 1.5 million Armenians were killed during the genocide. The exact number of deaths is impossible to determine, as many records were destroyed or falsified by the Ottoman authorities. However, it is clear that the genocide was a massive and systematic effort to eliminate the Armenian population.

International Response

The international community was slow to respond to the Armenian Genocide, and many countries, including the United States, failed to take action to stop the massacres. However, some countries, including France and Russia, condemned the genocide and provided humanitarian aid to the survivors.

Legacy of the Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide had a profound impact on the world, highlighting the dangers of nationalism and prejudice. It also led to the creation of the League of Nations, which was established in 1920 to promote international cooperation and prevent future genocides. Today, the Armenian Genocide is recognized as a crime against humanity by many countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, and Russia.

Conclusion

The Armenian Genocide was a tragic chapter in history, a result of the nationalism and prejudice of the Young Turks. It is a reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of promoting tolerance and understanding. The genocide also highlights the need for international action to prevent future atrocities and protect human rights.

Key Dates

  • 1913: The Young Turks seize power in the Ottoman Empire.
  • 1915: The Young Turks launch a campaign of persecution against the Armenians.
  • 1920: The League of Nations is established to promote international cooperation and prevent future genocides.
  • 1985: The Armenian Genocide is recognized as a crime against humanity by the European Parliament.
  • 2015: The Armenian Genocide is recognized as a crime against humanity by the French Parliament.

Key Figures

  • Talaat Pasha: The leader of the Young Turks and the architect of the Armenian Genocide.
  • Enver Pasha: A key figure in the Young Turks and a supporter of the Armenian Genocide.
  • Naim Bey: A Turkish diplomat who played a key role in the Armenian Genocide.
  • Arshavir Shiragian: An Armenian activist who played a key role in exposing the Armenian Genocide.

Sources

  • The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History by Raymond Kévorkian
  • The Young Turks: The Committee of Union and Progress in Turkish Politics, 1908-1914 by Erik J. Zürcher
  • The Armenian Genocide: A History by Vahakn N. Dadrian
  • The Ottoman Empire: A Very Short Introduction by Christine Isom-Verhaaren

Further Reading

  • The Armenian Genocide: A Reader edited by Richard Hovannisian
  • The Armenian Genocide: A Documentary History edited by Richard Hovannisian
  • The Armenian Genocide: A Historical Dictionary by Richard Hovannisian
  • The Armenian Genocide: A Bibliography by Richard Hovannisian
    Frequently Asked Questions about the Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide was a tragic event in history that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Armenians. Here are some frequently asked questions about the genocide:

Q: What was the Armenian Genocide?

A: The Armenian Genocide was a systematic extermination of the Armenian population by the Young Turks, a nationalist movement that ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1913 to 1918.

Q: When did the Armenian Genocide take place?

A: The Armenian Genocide took place in 1915, during World War I.

Q: How many people were killed in the Armenian Genocide?

A: Estimates of the death toll vary widely, but it is generally agreed that between 600,000 to 1.5 million Armenians were killed during the genocide.

Q: Why did the Young Turks want to kill the Armenians?

A: The Young Turks viewed the Armenians as a threat to their power and saw them as a obstacle to the creation of a unified Turkish state. They believed that the Armenians were inferior and that they needed to be eliminated in order to create a pure Turkish state.

Q: What was the role of the Ottoman government in the Armenian Genocide?

A: The Ottoman government, led by the Young Turks, was directly responsible for the Armenian Genocide. They issued orders for the deportation and massacre of Armenians, and they provided military and logistical support for the perpetrators.

Q: What was the international response to the Armenian Genocide?

A: The international community was slow to respond to the Armenian Genocide, and many countries, including the United States, failed to take action to stop the massacres. However, some countries, including France and Russia, condemned the genocide and provided humanitarian aid to the survivors.

Q: Is the Armenian Genocide recognized as a genocide by the international community?

A: Yes, the Armenian Genocide is recognized as a genocide by many countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, and Russia. However, Turkey, which is the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, denies that the events of 1915-1923 constituted a genocide.

Q: What is the significance of the Armenian Genocide?

A: The Armenian Genocide is significant because it was one of the first modern genocides, and it set a precedent for future genocides. It also highlights the dangers of nationalism and prejudice, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and preventing future atrocities.

Q: How can I learn more about the Armenian Genocide?

A: There are many resources available for learning more about the Armenian Genocide, including books, articles, and documentaries. Some recommended resources include:

  • The Armenian Genocide: A Complete History by Raymond Kévorkian
  • The Young Turks: The Committee of Union and Progress in Turkish Politics, 1908-1914 by Erik J. Zürcher
  • The Armenian Genocide: A History by Vahakn N. Dadrian
  • The Ottoman Empire: A Very Short Introduction by Christine Isom-Verhaaren

Q: How can I get involved in efforts to recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide?

A: There are many ways to get involved in efforts to recognize and commemorate the Armenian Genocide, including:

  • Supporting organizations that work to promote awareness and recognition of the genocide
  • Participating in events and activities that commemorate the genocide
  • Spreading awareness about the genocide through social media and other channels
  • Advocating for policies and laws that recognize and condemn the genocide

Q: What can I do to help prevent future genocides?

A: There are many ways to help prevent future genocides, including:

  • Supporting organizations that work to promote human rights and prevent violence
  • Advocating for policies and laws that protect human rights and prevent genocide
  • Spreading awareness about the dangers of nationalism and prejudice
  • Engaging in dialogue and education about the importance of protecting human rights and preventing genocide

Q: How can I honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide?

A: There are many ways to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, including:

  • Visiting the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan, Armenia
  • Participating in events and activities that commemorate the genocide
  • Supporting organizations that work to promote awareness and recognition of the genocide
  • Spreading awareness about the genocide through social media and other channels

Q: What is the current status of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey?

A: The current status of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey is complex and contentious. While the Turkish government officially denies that the events of 1915-1923 constituted a genocide, many Turks acknowledge that a tragedy occurred and that the Armenian community was subjected to violence and persecution. However, the Turkish government has not officially recognized the genocide, and many Turks continue to deny its occurrence.

Q: What is the current status of the Armenian Genocide in the United States?

A: The current status of the Armenian Genocide in the United States is complex and contentious. While the US government has not officially recognized the genocide, many US politicians and organizations have acknowledged its occurrence and have called for recognition and commemoration. However, the US government has not taken any concrete steps to recognize the genocide, and many US politicians continue to deny its occurrence.

Q: What is the current status of the Armenian Genocide in Europe?

A: The current status of the Armenian Genocide in Europe is complex and contentious. While many European countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, have officially recognized the genocide, others, including the UK and Sweden, have not. However, many European countries have acknowledged the genocide and have called for recognition and commemoration.

Q: What is the current status of the Armenian Genocide in the Middle East?

A: The current status of the Armenian Genocide in the Middle East is complex and contentious. While many Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon and Syria, have officially recognized the genocide, others, including Turkey and Iran, have not. However, many Middle Eastern countries have acknowledged the genocide and have called for recognition and commemoration.