Overview
This lecture explains the origins and definition of genocide, using the Armenian Genocide during World War I as a case study, and details its causes, events, and aftermath.
Defining Genocide
- The term "genocide" was coined by Raphael Lemkin in 1944.
- "Genocide" combines Greek "genos" (race or ethnicity) and Latin "cide" (murder).
- The United Nations defines genocide as mass extermination of a group based on race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, with intent to destroy.
The Ottoman Empire and Armenian Community
- The Ottoman Empire was multiethnic and multi-faith, divided into religious communities called millets.
- Armenians, as a millet, were primarily Christian and lived in eastern Anatolia.
- Non-Muslim millets faced restrictions, including higher taxes and exclusion from military service.
- Armenians had a long history in Anatolia and established a Christian state before Rome.
Rise of Tensions and Nationalism
- By the 19th century, Armenians were viewed as a threat by Ottoman rulers, especially near the Russian border.
- Resettlement policies aimed to dilute Armenian presence with Muslims.
- Social tension grew, partly due to perceived Armenian wealth and literacy.
- The 1908 Young Turk Revolution formed a constitutional government, but the Committee of Union and Progress excluded minority communities from its nationalist vision.
World War I and the Onset of Genocide
- The Ottoman Empire joined Germany and Austria-Hungary in WWI against the Entente, including Russia.
- After a military defeat in 1915, Armenians were blamed for collaborating with Russia.
- Rumors of Armenian rebellion increased hostility and suspicion.
Execution of the Armenian Genocide
- Armenian soldiers were disarmed, sent to labor camps, and many were executed.
- Forced marches, torture, and mass killings targeted Armenian civilians.
- Property and possessions of Armenians were confiscated.
- Violence was justified by Turkish officials as retaliation for alleged Armenian rebellion.
- Women, children, and communities suffered mass atrocities; some escaped, but many died or were orphaned.
Aftermath and Recognition
- Over one million Armenians died between 1915 and 1917.
- Most victims died during forced marches to labor camps and were buried in mass graves.
- International aid and protest occurred, but with little effect.
- Few perpetrators were prosecuted after the war; many escaped punishment.
- The Turkish government still denies the genocide, but most major powers recognize it.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Genocide — mass extermination of a group based on race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, with intent to destroy.
- Millet — religious community within the Ottoman Empire with its own rules and practices.
- Committee of Union and Progress (C.U.P.) — leading nationalist party after the Young Turk Revolution.
- Anatolia — peninsula that is now modern-day Turkey.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the definition of genocide and its criteria.
- Study the causes and consequences of the Armenian Genocide for further discussion.