The Evolution of Ottoman Diplomatic Tactics from 1821 to 1840

Abstract

This thesis studies the diplomatic tactics that the Ottoman Empire utilized from 1821 to 1840 and argues that during this period Ottoman officials increased their diplomatic discourse with the European Powers in order to gain entrance into the Concert of Europe. Ottoman diplomatic tactics during this timeframe are then divided into two periods: March 1821 to December 1833 and December 1833 to July 1840. This thesis argues that in the former period the Ottoman Empire’s primary diplomatic tactic was to incite British Russophobia by evincing Russia’s desire for war with the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman officials hoped that British officials would thus be compelled to pressure Russia into preserving peace with the Ottoman Empire in order to maintain peace and the balance of power in Europe. Finally, this thesis argues that in the latter period, due to the earlier failures of Ottoman diplomacy as well as advice received from Great Britain, the Ottoman Empire incorporated promises to reform its government and military into its diplomatic discourse. These promised reforms were designed to convince the European Powers that the Ottoman Empire could be revitalized, and therefore deserved Europe’s official recognition of the Ottoman Empire’s administrative and territorial autonomy.