In what ways did WWI affect the Ottoman Empire's stability?

WWI significantly destabilised the Ottoman Empire, leading to its eventual disintegration and the creation of modern Turkey.

The First World War had a profound impact on the stability of the Ottoman Empire, which was already in a state of decline by the time the conflict began. The Empire's decision to enter the war on the side of the Central Powers was a gamble that ultimately failed, leading to military defeat, economic ruin, and political upheaval.

The war took a heavy toll on the Empire's military capabilities. Ottoman forces were stretched thin on multiple fronts, fighting against the Allies in the Gallipoli Campaign, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. Despite some initial successes, the Empire suffered a series of devastating defeats, culminating in the surrender of Jerusalem to British forces in 1917. The loss of life was immense, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers killed or wounded. This not only weakened the Empire's military power but also caused significant social and economic disruption.

Economically, the war was disastrous for the Ottoman Empire. The cost of the war effort, combined with the loss of trade and the destruction of infrastructure, led to severe economic hardship. Inflation soared, and shortages of food and other essential goods became widespread. The Empire's economy was further weakened by the Allied naval blockade, which cut off vital supplies and further exacerbated the economic crisis.

Politically, the war led to significant upheaval within the Empire. The Young Turks, who had seized power in a coup in 1908, were unable to maintain control in the face of military defeat and economic collapse. The war also exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions within the Empire, leading to the Armenian Genocide and other acts of violence against minority groups.

Finally, the war led to the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. The Treaty of Sèvres, signed in 1920, partitioned the Empire among the victorious Allies. This was deeply unpopular within the Empire and led to the Turkish War of Independence, which resulted in the establishment of the modern state of Turkey. Thus, the First World War was a key factor in the end of the Ottoman Empire and the birth of modern Turkey.