Eastern Question

The "Eastern Question" refers to the diplomatic and strategic issues arising in the 19th and early 20th centuries regarding the decline of the Ottoman Empire and its impact on European powers. As the empire weakened, countries like Britain, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary sought to expand their influence in the Balkans and the Middle East. This competition raised concerns about territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the potential for conflict, particularly as various nationalist movements emerged. The Eastern Question highlighted the complexities of imperialism, nationalism, and international relations during a time of significant geopolitical change.