Crash Course World History: The Relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Empire

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus on the relationship between Venice and the Ottoman Empire
• Explores themes of history improving personal relationships

Geography and Economy of Venice

• Venice: a city of islands at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea
• Built for ocean-going trade due to lack of natural resources
• Expert in shipbuilding; notable ships include galleys and cogs
• Trade treaties with Byzantines and later Ottomans
• Early trade with Egypt, specifically in pepper

Venetians and the Islamic World

• Venice traded with Islamic regions despite religious tensions
• St. Mark’s body was smuggled from Alexandria to Venice
• Venice’s wealth from trade visible in its architecture

Key Imports and Economy

• Grain from the Ottomans, especially after conquering Egypt
• Venice produced textiles and glass
• Glass production relied on special ash from the Ottomans

Political Structure of Venice

• A republic led by elected leaders
• The leader, known as the Doge, had to answer to the property-owning male populace

The Ottoman Empire

• Empire from 1300 CE to 1919
• Founded by Osman Bey; name "Ottoman" from "Osmanli"
• Great expansion under Mehmed the Conqueror and Suleiman the Magnificent
• Controlled significant trade routes in Asia and the Indian Ocean

Ottoman Governance

• Innovation in governance with the 'slave aristocracy'
• Devshirme system: Christian boys converted to Islam, trained as Janissaries or bureaucrats
• Avoided hereditary nobility problems

Venetian-Ottoman Relationship

• Ottomans controlled Mediterranean trade post-Egypt conquest
• Venetians managed trade logistics; Ottomans taxed
• Mutually beneficial relationship

Impacts of the Relationship

• Venice’s wealth contributed to the European Renaissance
• Strengthened Europe-Islamic world connections
• Inspired European exploration for alternate trade routes

Conclusion

• The relationship exemplifies mutual benefit in historical contexts
• Encouraged exploration and trade innovations in Europe

Additional Notes

• Venice needed to import grain due to its geography
• The Ottomans' unique system of governance and its long-lasting impact
• The relationship as a model of economic interdependence between regions

Production Credits

• Produced and directed by Stan Muller
• Written by Raoul Meyer and John Green
• Graphics by Thought Bubble