Crash Course World History: Venice and the Ottomans

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: Relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Empire
• Theme: Historical relationships and their modern-day relevance

Venice: Geography and Economy

• Location: Northern tip of the Adriatic Sea; a city of islands connected by canals
• Economy: Built for ocean-going trade, lacked natural resources
  • Relied heavily on trade for growth
  • Known for shipbuilding; famous for ships like the galley and the cog
• Trade: Established treaties with Byzantines and later Ottomans post-Constantinople (Istanbul)
• Venetian Trade with Islamic World
  • Traded with Egypt's Sultan in the pepper business, which was lucrative
  • Faced moral/religious opposition but found ways to trade

Venetian Strategy and Economy

• St. Mark's Body: Smuggled by Venetians from Alexandria, Egypt
  • Used as an excuse for trading with Egyptians
• Imports and Economy: Imported grain, needed Ottomans for special ash for glass-making
• Government: Republic with elected leaders; ruler known as the Doge

The Ottoman Empire

• Duration: 1300 CE to 1919
• Founding: Osman Bey; Ottomans as a Latinization of Osmanli
• Famous Sultans: Mehmed the Conqueror and Suleiman the Magnificent
  • Mehmed expanded into Balkans
  • Suleiman expanded into Mesopotamia and Egypt, controlled Asian trade
• Empire Characteristics
  • Vast, rich, and included impressive architecture
  • Known for blending nomadic roots with empire building

Ottoman Administration

• Slave Aristocracy: Unique ruling class without hereditary nobles
  • Devshirmeh program: Kidnapped Christian boys for military and bureaucratic roles
  • Janissaries: Elite military force not allowed to have families
  • Eunuchs: Played key roles in administration and palace intrigue

Relationship and Impact

• Venetian-Ottoman Trade
  • Ottomans controlled Mediterranean trade; Venetians handled actual trade
  • Relationship led to Venetian wealth, fueling the European Renaissance
  • Cultural exchanges facilitated by trade relationships

Exploration and Global Impact

• Trade Routes: Ottoman-Venetian control led Europeans to seek alternate routes
  • Portuguese explored south and east around Africa
  • Spanish explored west, leading to Columbus' voyages

Conclusion

• Mutual benefit is key in relationships, both historical and modern
• Venice and Ottoman relationship pivotal in shaping European history
  • Result: Expanded exploration and connectivity with the East

Miscellaneous

• Production Credits: Hosted by John Green, written by Raoul Meyer and John Green, directed by Stan Muller, graphics by Thought Bubble
• Engagement: Encourages viewer interaction through comments and questions