The Great (European) Powers and the Ottoman Empire: the Eastern Question, 1768-1914
countries and spheres of influence, the legacy of which is still felt to this day.
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- Start Date: 09 Sep 2025End Date: 02 Dec 2025Tue (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over -13 weeks)Course Code: HEH30Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
IIn this course, we will analyse how the decline of the Ottoman Empire from the late 18th century played a
fundamental role in shaping the relations with and between the Great Powers: Britain, Russia, France, Austria /
Austria-Hungary, and Prussia / Germany. We will also study the consequences of the collapse of the Ottoman
Empire in the Balkans, around the Mediterranean basin, and part of the Caucasus. The Eastern Question may have
been largely forgotten in Western Europe, but in these regions, the populations are still living with its legacies.
Therefore, what happened between 1768 and 1914 is essential to understand this part of the world.
What will we cover?
• The emergence of the Eastern Question in the late 18th century
• The consequences of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars in Ottoman lands
• The independence of Greece
• The Crimean War
• The Great Eastern Crisis
• The Treaty of Berlin and its consequences
• The Egyptian question
• The Young Turk Revolution and its implications
• The First and Second Balkan Wars
• The Eastern Question on the eve of the Great War.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain what is meant by the “Eastern Question”
Analyse the factors that led to the progressive weakening of the Ottoman Empire from the late 18th century
Analyse the role of the Great Powers in the independence of Greece
Explain why the Crimean War was fought and analyse its consequences
Discuss constructively the consequences of the Treaty of Berlin on the Balkans, with particular references to Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Assess the long-term consequences of the First and Second Balkan Wars.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about European history would be useful but is not essential.
A good standard of English is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and
small groups. Handouts will be given in each class. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the
course website.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper.
Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.
This is not an exam course.
There are no extra costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH43 The Great (European) Powers and the creation of the Middle East, 1914-1948.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.