Moguls and Mandarins

INTRODUCTION

The Ottoman Empire was vital in British policy in the early twentieth century for its strategic position. Its territories spread across the land and sea routes to Britain’s Eastern empire and it was essential to Britain that this weak but not ill-disposed empire should be maintained in existence, intact if possible (though not strengthened), to protect Britain’s interests and prevent any other power from threatening them. Britain used political and commercial leverage as the key to upholding its strategic aims, while competing with the other European powers for the concessionary favours that would strengthen its economic position. Moguls were not just oil magnates but big business interests, whether bankers, shippers or traders. ...