How did the San Stefano Treaty and Berlin Congress affect the Ottomans?

The San Stefano Treaty and Berlin Congress significantly reduced the Ottoman Empire's territories and influence in Europe.

The Treaty of San Stefano, signed in 1878, was a significant blow to the Ottoman Empire. It was the result of the Russo-Turkish War, which the Ottomans lost. The treaty stipulated that the Ottomans had to recognise the independence of Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro, and grant autonomy to Bulgaria, which was a significant loss of territory. Furthermore, the Ottomans had to pay a large war indemnity to Russia. This treaty marked a significant reduction in the Ottoman Empire's influence in Europe.

However, the Treaty of San Stefano was not well received by other European powers, particularly Britain and Austria-Hungary, who feared the increase in Russian influence in the Balkans. This led to the Congress of Berlin in the same year, which revised the terms of the San Stefano Treaty. The Congress of Berlin reduced the size of Bulgaria and returned some territories to the Ottoman Empire. However, it also recognised the full independence of Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro, and granted Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria-Hungary, further reducing the Ottoman Empire's territories.

The Congress of Berlin also imposed a system of international control over the Ottoman Empire's finances, due to the empire's bankruptcy in 1875. This was a significant blow to the empire's sovereignty. The Ottomans were also forced to undertake reforms to protect the rights of Christians in their remaining territories, which was seen as a further infringement on their sovereignty.

In conclusion, the Treaty of San Stefano and the Congress of Berlin had a profound impact on the Ottoman Empire. They significantly reduced the empire's territories and influence in Europe, imposed international control over its finances, and forced it to undertake reforms. These events marked a significant decline in the power and prestige of the Ottoman Empire.