Turkey, the Great Powers, and the Bagdad Railway: A study in imperialism

"Turkey, the Great Powers, and the Bagdad Railway: A Study in Imperialism" by Edward Mead Earle is a historical examination of the Bagdad Railway project in the context of early 20th-century imperialism. It untangles the complex relationships between the Ottoman Empire and the major global powers, specifically focusing on how these powers sought to exploit Turkey’s resources and strategic location. The book starts by describing the historical background that led to the Bagdad Railway's importance, presenting it is a pivotal link reviving old ways to trade in the 1800s. Earle explains the potential and the risks for Turkey’s economy and government as it sought to modernize via railways, all while navigating the dangerous ambitions of other nations. The story begins by focusing on how the building of the Bagdad Railway demonstrates both progress and conflict during an age of imperialism.