Anglo-Turkish War (1807–1809) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anglo-Turkish War |
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| Part of the Napoleonic Wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
Supported by: French Empire |
 United KingdomSupported by:  Russian Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Selim III Mustafa IV Mahmud II Muhammad Ali Horace Sébastiani |
George III John Duckworth |
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The Anglo-Turkish War (1807–1809) was a conflict between the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire. It was part of the larger Napoleonic Wars that happened across Europe. This war showed how different countries were trying to gain power and control during that time.
Contents
Why the War Started
In 1806, during the Napoleonic Wars, France's ambassador, General Horace Sebastiani, convinced the Ottoman Empire to make a deal. The Ottomans agreed to stop giving special treatment to Russia. They also agreed to let only French warships use the important Dardanelles straits.
In return, the French leader Napoleon promised to help the Ottoman Sultan. He would help the Sultan stop a rebellion in Serbia. He also promised to help the Ottomans get back lands they had lost. When Russia's army moved into some Ottoman areas, the Ottomans declared war on Russia.
British Attack on the Dardanelles
In September 1806, the British government put pressure on the Ottoman Sultan, Selim III. Britain wanted the Sultan to send away the French ambassador. They also wanted the Ottomans to declare war on France. Britain demanded that the Ottomans give some lands to Russia. They also wanted the Ottoman navy and forts on the Dardanelles to be handed over to the British navy.
Sultan Selim III refused these demands. So, on February 19, 1807, a British fleet led by Vice Admiral John Thomas Duckworth sailed into the Dardanelles. They destroyed some Ottoman ships in the Sea of Marmara. The British ships then anchored near Constantinople, the Ottoman capital.
With help from the French, the Ottomans quickly built strong defenses. They set up powerful cannons and made their forts stronger. The British warships were hit by cannon fire and lost two ships. Admiral Duckworth decided to leave and sailed back to the Mediterranean Sea on March 3, 1807.
British Expedition to Egypt
On March 16, 1807, about 6,000 British soldiers set sail for Alexandria in Ottoman Egypt. They managed to capture the city in August. However, the local governor, Muhammad Ali of Egypt, fought back strongly.
The British troops also faced problems with getting enough supplies. Because of these issues, the British were forced to leave Egypt. The Ottoman Empire did not get much military help from France during this time. This was because France was busy fighting Russia in another war. Napoleon could not get Russia to agree to a peace deal with Britain. This meant Britain was fighting both France and Russia at the same time.
End of the War
The Anglo-Turkish War ended in 1809 with the signing of the Treaty of the Dardanelles. This treaty officially ended the fighting between the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire. The war resulted in an Ottoman victory, meaning they successfully defended their lands and interests against the British attacks.
See Also
