The Balkans were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the "Old Man" of Europe, which was declining from power. The interest of expansionism of major European powers such as Russia, Great Britain, and France was a probable cause of the decline of the Ottoman Empire. ... During the reign of Nicholas II, the autocratic principle was not fully exercised, leading to the downfall of Tsarist Russia. ... In 1812, Russia gained an immense amount of publicity and praise as she was the first country to bring Napoleon Bonaparte to his knees which eventually led to his downfall. ... The Ottoman Empire...

• Word Count: 2499
• Approx Pages: 10
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate