4. The Ottoman Empire
At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents, exerting significant political, cultural, and military influence. However, by the early 20th century, it faced persistent warfare, administrative decay, and nationalist movements, leading to its designation as the “sick man of Europe.” These challenges culminated in the empire’s dissolution following World War I. For a comprehensive analysis of the Ottoman Empire’s decline, refer to britannica.com.
