How did Kemal Atatürk gain control of Turkish forces during the fight for independence? 1. He organized an uprising against the sultan so that he could take control of the army. 2. Forces joined him after being inspired by his efforts to fight European powers in World War I.Forces joined him after being inspired by his efforts to fight European powers in World War I. 3. After getting control from the sultan, he used his power to further the nationalist cause.He convinced the sultan to give him command over the Turkish forces to fight the Greeks. 4. He convinced the sultan to give him command over the Turkish forces to fight the Greeks.

1 answer

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gained control of Turkish forces during the fight for independence primarily through a combination of leadership, military skill, and the appeal of nationalist sentiments rather than direct reliance on the sultan. Let's break down the provided options:

  1. He organized an uprising against the sultan so that he could take control of the army. - This is not entirely accurate. Atatürk did not lead a visible uprising against the sultan in the traditional sense; rather, he capitalized on the discontent in the country and encouraged nationalist movements.

  2. Forces joined him after being inspired by his efforts to fight European powers in World War I. - This option is partially correct. Atatürk's leadership during the defense of Gallipoli in World War I earned him recognition and respect, which helped rally forces to his cause during the subsequent War of Independence.

  3. After getting control from the sultan, he used his power to further the nationalist cause. - Atatürk did not directly control the sultan. Instead, he operated largely in opposition to the Ottoman government's authority, particularly after the Empire's defeat in WWI.

  4. He convinced the sultan to give him command over the Turkish forces to fight the Greeks. - This is misleading. While Atatürk did hold significant military command, he acted more on his accord and the mandates of nationalist forces rather than directly receiving orders from the sultan.

In summary, the most accurate reflection is option 2; Atatürk's status as a national leader and military commander attracted support from different factions, driven by a common goal of independence from foreign rule and the desire to establish a new, secular republic.