Young intellectuals emerged in late 19th century Ottoman Empire. First organized opposition movement established in 1889 by military students. Ahmed Rıza Bey led Paris-based Committee of Union and Progress. Mizancı Murat replaced Ahmed Rıza as chairman in 1896
Young Turk Revolution in 1908 led to discontent in Macedonia. Balkan League formed under Russian auspices to take Macedonia. First Balkan War ended with Ottoman Empire's defeat in 1912. London Peace Treaty in 1913 gave Ottoman Empire most European territory
Ottoman Empire founded in 1299 by Osman I merging Turkish tribes. Mehmed II seized Constantinople in 1453, renaming it Istanbul. Empire expanded to cover 14 regions by 1400s
War began in Balkans on July 28, 1914, ending November 11, 1918. Two rival powers emerged: Germany-Austria-Hungary vs Russia-France-Britain. European balance of power weakened since 1867. Imperialism, nationalism, and territorial disputes fueled conflict
Born in Gönen in 1884, Ömer Seyfettin served in Ottoman army during Balkan Wars. Joined Ziya Gökalp in Salonica to publish Young Pens journal (1910-1912). Married Calibe Hanım in 1915, divorced in 1918 due to Western influence. Died in 1920 at age 36 from diabetes complications
Balkan League formed in 1912 by Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. Nations united to challenge declining Ottoman Empire. Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro formed alliance against Ottoman Empire