The History of England 254 Europe X Chaos and Threat
14 snips
Aug 19, 2018 Explore the dramatic rise of the Ottoman Empire under Suleiman, including his conquests and innovative governance. Delve into the chaos of the French religious wars, marked by sectarian strife and political intrigue. Discover the surprising Franco-Ottoman alliance, the impact of corsair raids, and the tumultuous battles at places like Lepanto. As tensions surge, witness the catastrophic St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre and the eventual emergence of Henry IV, bringing a precarious peace through the Edict of Nantes.
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Ottoman Administrative And Military Strength
- Suleiman inherited a highly structured, meritocratic Ottoman state with a powerful standing army and efficient bureaucracy.
- That system gave the sultan unprecedented centralized power and military capability compared to most European monarchs.
Practical Religious Toleration Under Ottoman Rule
- The Ottoman millet system allowed non-Muslims legal communities and a high degree of religious toleration for the era.
- Christians and Jews remained second-class but enjoyed more protection than many European dissenters.
Suleiman Exploited European Divisions
- Suleiman deliberately exploited European divisions and timed campaigns when Christian powers were weakest.
- His strategy made the Ottomans an active player in European diplomacy, not an external inevitability.
