The Ottoman Turks committed genocide against the Armenians during World War I due to a combination of nationalism, wartime paranoia, and historical tensions. The Ottoman Empire, facing military defeats and internal strife, viewed the Armenian population – a Christian minority with increasing nationalist aspirations – as a potential threat and scapegoat. In an effort to unify the empire under a Turkish identity and eliminate perceived dissent, the government implemented systematic massacres, forced deportations, and death marches, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. This tragic event is recognized as one of the first modern genocides, driven by a toxic mix of fear, prejudice, and political expediency.
In 3–5 sentences, explain why the Ottoman Turks committed genocide against the Armenians.(4 point)
1 answer