The Ottoman Empire, once a powerful empire spanning three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, reigned over a quarter of the world's land during its heyday. However, with the progress of history, this once-dominant empire gradually declined. So, who ultimately led to the demise of the Ottoman Empire? This article will explore the terminator of the Ottoman Empire from the perspective of its disintegration after the First World War.

Firstly, the Disintegration after the First World War. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire gradually became a semi-colony of European powers. During the First World War, the Ottoman Empire sided with Germany and Austria-Hungary, and was forced to sign the Mudros Armistice after its defeat. According to the agreement, the Ottoman Empire lost about three-quarters of its territory, including most of the Balkan Peninsula, the Middle East, and North Africa. This reduced the Ottoman Empire's land area from approximately 7.8 million square kilometers to about 780,000 square kilometers, and its population from approximately 35 million to about 16 million.

Secondly, National Liberation Movements and Division. The disintegration after the First World War was just the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's demise. During the post-war chaos, nationalism and democratic ideas rapidly spread across the Ottoman Empire's territory. Balkan countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia launched national liberation movements, demanding independence from Ottoman rule. At the same time, uprisings against the Ottoman Empire also broke out in Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, and other regions. These national liberation movements continuously reduced the Ottoman Empire's territory, ultimately leading to its division.

Thirdly, the Establishment of the Republic of Turkey. In 1922, Mustafa Kemal, a Turkish nationalist, led the Turkish War of Independence to victory. In November of the same year, Sultan Mehmed VI signed the Treaty of Lausanne, announcing the abdication of the Ottoman Empire's throne and caliphate. Subsequently, the Republic of Turkey was established, marking the official demise of the Ottoman Empire.

In conclusion, the demise of the Ottoman Empire did not occur overnight, but gradually occurred through a series of events such as its disintegration after the First World War, national liberation movements and division, and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. These events collectively led to the end of the Ottoman Empire, transforming it from a once-dominant power in Europe, Asia, and Africa into the Republic of Turkey today.

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